Recently, I came across a viral news headline on social media that caught my attention:
“Monk steals over RM38.7 million from temple funds to gamble.”
While the title may grab eyeballs, it is deeply misleading. It inadvertently sparked confusion among Malaysians and cast unfair assumptions on a particular religious and ethnic group specifically the Indian Hindu community.
In Malaysia, the terms “monk” and “temple” are often associated with Hindu religious leaders and places of worship. Naturally, many assumed the incident had occurred on our soil.
However, upon closer inspection and after reading through the article and its comment section it became clear that the case involved a Thai monk, Phra Thammachiranuwat from Wat Rai Khing in Bangkok. He had allegedly transferred temple funds into his personal account. The scandal, while shocking, took place in Thailand not Malaysia.
This incident is a powerful reminder of how crucial it is for the media to report with integrity, responsibility, and cultural sensitivity, especially when issues involving race and religion are at stake.
A misleading or sensationalised headline can do more than misinform it can spark unnecessary tension, inflame stereotypes, and damage the social fabric of our multiracial nation.
The media must rise above the race for likes, comments, and reach. They hold the power to foster unity and understanding, to build bridges between communities not burn them down for the sake of viral traction.
Yes, international news coverage is important. But the focus should be on stories that inspire, inform and uplift stories of national development, technological innovation, sportsmanship, community well-being, and socio-economic progress that we can emulate to build a better Malaysia.
Let me be clear, this isn’t merely a rant out of disappointment. This is a wake-up call. We are now in the era of a MADANI government, working diligently to revise the Sedition Act in order to curb harmful 3R (Race, Religion, Royal Institution) rhetoric. Misleading content like this must be stopped in its tracks.
I urge the media outlet responsible to delete the misleading content immediately and issue a public apology. We must remember: our actions are subject to the law.
Under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), misleading or false information falls under legal scrutiny, and those responsible can and should be held accountable.
In conclusion, the media is not just a messenger it is a pillar of nation-building. Its duty is not to provoke, but to educate, unite and enlighten.
Let’s not sacrifice journalistic ethics and the dignity of the media profession at the altar of cheap publicity.
Because at the end of the day, a united society is stronger, smarter, and far more powerful than one divided by misinformation.
DATO’ N. SIVAKUMAR
Founder and President,
Dinamik Sinar Kasih Malaysia Welfare Association (DSK)
