Erroneous reports that Attorney General Tommy Thomas was resigning circulated earlier today, and sites that published the unsubstantiated reports were forced to take down their story and issue an apology.
Speaking on behalf of the AG, the Attorney General Chambers denied any such news calling it “not true at all.”
Previously, Free Malaysia Today had reported that an insider government source told them that the AG was leaving his post three months after being appointed. Allegations were made by the source that he had resigned under pressure following the dropping of corruption charges against Finance Minsiter Lim Guan Eng’s purchase of a bungalow at below-market rates. FMT has retracted the statement and issued an apology.
MP Fahmi Fadzil took to Twitter to comment on the debacle, calling for greater journalistic integrity, and thorough source checking before making such bombastic allegations.
Having been on both ends of the Anti-Fake News Act (target, and subject of false rumors that he was vacating his seat to make room for Anwar Ibrahim), he asks that journalists self-regulate. Verification, corroboration, and above all – a comment from the subject of the report would help with producing credible articles.
Fair enough, we’ve all jumped the gun, and they’ve apologized.
Hit us up if you’re looking for a spunky secretary at that Media Council!
