Basis in plagiarism claim, says Bernama chief

News agency Bernama has admitted that there was some basis in the plagiarism accusation made by Indonesian newspaper Jakarta Globe today.

“From what I gather, there is some basis in the allegations,”Bernama editor-in-chief Zulkefli Salleh told Malaysiakini.

Zulkefli (left) however maintained that the reporter accused of plagiarism had attributed the articles to Jakarta Globe.

“The reporter did attribute the articles to Jakarta Globe, in the third and fifth paragraphs,” he said.

Jakarta Globe had accused Bernamaof plagiarising two articles it published online pertaining to the ongoing presidential debates.

In light of the allegations, Zulkefli promised that investigations into the matter will be conducted promptly.

“We do not condone plagiarism,” he stressed.

“If the result of the investigations shows that the reporter is guilty, then we will take action against him.”

When asked whether the reporter’s services will be terminated, Zulkefli said the matter will be decided later.

“I will also look into whether it was done intentionally or out of ignorance,” he said.

However, in a tweet later, Bernama said the reporter in question has been suspended from duties.

'Word for word'

According to Jakarta Globe, the most recentincident occurred on Sunday when Bernamaplagiarised “word for word” an article published on theJakarta Globe website entitled “In closing debate, Joko promises bureaucratic ‘breakthrough,’ While Prabowo strives for ‘a dignified nation.’”

It also claimed thatBernama had published a similar article the next day under the heading, “Joko promises bureaucratic ‘breakthrough,’ While Prabowo strives for ‘a dignified nation.’”

“Bernama also removed the names of Globe reporters Josua Gantan and Andrea Wijaya, the original authors of the story, replacing the byline with what is assumed to be the name of aBernama journalist, Elmi Rizal Alias,” said Jakarta Globe.