Sin Chew Daily and Jalur Gemilang

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I have strong convictions that the Jalur Gemilang mistake is a genuine one. Nothing malicious. When we look at familiar pictures and words, our mind automatically fills in the missing pieces.

In psychology, the term for when our brain fills in missing details in familiar pictures or words is called "filling in" or "completion". Yes, the editors should have been more careful. That is their job.



However, they have been rebuked by none other than Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Sin Chew has apologised and is taking the appropriate actions. Today, our concern should be the many parties and individuals who are consciously being vicious and malicious in dealing with the situation.

Those who are using a genuine mistake for selfish political and bigoted purposes. Their actions and words are worse than the original mistake. In fact, they are being disrespectful to Yang di-Pertuan Agong – acting as though his decree is not adequate.

From an Islamic perspective, while Islam emphasises the importance of not being silent about mistakes, it also recognises the possibility of making genuine blunders. One must seek forgiveness and exercise self-correction, which Sin Chew is doing. This is because Islam emphasises the importance of learning from past errors and striving to improve one's actions.

“Verily, Allah has overlooked for my nation their honest mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they are forced into doing.” - Prophet Muhammad (Sunan Ibn Mājah 2045) Peace, Anas..