(Bangkok) Sin Chew Daily should be given a chance to explain and apologise over the incomplete Jalur Gemilang on its frontpage, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

While the matter should not be taken lightly, let the legal process take its course, he said.

“For a country, the flag is a very important symbol. So, I advise everyone to be careful, but of course, Sin Chew Daily should be given the opportunity to explain the mistake and apologise.

“I’ve also said we must not appear excessive in our actions just to meet certain demands — it must follow due legal process,” he said.

Anwar said this in a press conference on Friday after his official visit to Thailand when he was asked to respond on the incomplete Jalur Gemilang on the front page where the crescent moon was missing from the national flag on Apr 15.

The daily issued an apology and explained that the error was inadvertently made during the design process. It has since amended the digital version and apologised in Chinese, Malay and English on its portal on the same day.

Sin Chew Daily also printed an apology on its frontpage on Apr 16 and suspended the Editor-in-Chief Chan Aun Kuang and Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Tsai Shwu San the following day.

Deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said 40 police reports were lodged against Sin Chew where the statements of 42 people, including the two editors from Sin Chew had been recorded.

“We are still investigating the case,’’ he said.

Police are investigating the case under Section 3(1)(c) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and Section 4(1)(b) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.