Malaysiakini editor apologizes to Umno leaders for social media error

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 — Malaysiakini editor RK Anand met with Umno leaders during the party's annual general meeting to apologize for a recent social media mishap, as confirmed by Umno Youth chief Datuk Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Anand personally apologized to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Thursday, January 15, according to Akmal Saleh's social media post.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asryaf Wajdi Dusuki was present to witness the apology.

Akmal Saleh acknowledged Anand's overtures and thanked him for coming.

"Just because we have been lenient this time, that does not mean they can step on us in future," Akmal Saleh warned.

The meeting occurred during Umno's annual general assembly, a key event for the political party.

Malaysiakini is a prominent independent news portal in Malaysia, known for its critical reporting.

Umno is a major political party in Malaysia, currently part of the ruling coalition.

Social media errors by media outlets can lead to public apologies and political tensions in Malaysia's sensitive media landscape.

No further details on the specific social media blunder were provided in the report.