On Nov 14, Sin Chew Jit Poh published in its Forum section a report on a debate among a MCA deputy minister, a Gerakan state executive councillor and two independent Chinese scholars about politics and the general elections.

For visual accompaniment, a file photograph of Barisan Nasional leaders was used. This photograph was chosen by a junior sub-editor, who provided no caption as the picture has no direct bearing on the debate. This is itself difficult to comprehend and forgive.

Unfortunately, the sub-editor compounded his grave error by "updating" the picture as well. He felt that as Anwar Ibrahim was no longer in the Barisan Nasional, his presence in that photograph was inappropriate. Hence, modern technology was employed to render the picture more reflective of the situation today.

Of course, what the sub-editor has done is inexcusable, a violation of a cardinal principle of journalism. His superior also deserves reprobation. Having approved the text and the page layout, he left the illustration to the sub-editor. He never saw the picture that would be used.

Ultimately, the paper must take responsibility for what these two individuals have done. All we can say is that the sub-editor had no ulterior or political motive, and his overworked editor was just negligent in not asking to see the illustration as well. Of course, the appropriate action will be taken to ensure that such lapses in judgement do not recur.

In the meantime, we apologise to all our readers, and ask them to view this against our track record. We are proud of our reputation for being objective and impartial journalism, and our readers can rest assured that the mistake -- the first such ever -- will not be repeated.

Liew Chen Chuan
Sin Chew Jit Poh editor-in-chief