RTM apologises for commentator error naming Joko Widodo as Indonesian president instead of Prabowo Subianto during ASEAN summit broadcast.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Broadcasting Malaysia has apologised for a commentator’s error during the live telecast of the 47th ASEAN Summit opening ceremony.
Radio Televisyen Malaysia confirmed the commentator mistakenly identified Indonesia’s President as Joko Widodo instead of the current President Prabowo Subianto.
In a statement, RTM said it takes the matter seriously and appropriate action has been taken.
“RTM hereby apologises to the President and Indonesian government, as well as to all parties affected by this mistake,” the statement said.
The department added that RTM will continue to strengthen editorial control and fact-checking to ensure information accuracy.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by all ASEAN leaders including Prabowo.
Other attendees included United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres and European Council president Antonio Costa.
Also present were Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and World Bank vice-president Carlos Felipe Jaramillo were among the distinguished guests.
The 47th ASEAN Summit runs from October 26 to 28 under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
The summit theme focuses on “Inclusivity and Sustainability” during Malaysia’s leadership year. – Bernama
