In today’s fast-paced media landscape, the pressure to deliver news quickly and stay ahead of the competition can be overwhelming. For Ariffin Iskandar Sha Ali Akbar, the 27-year-old founder of the alternative news site Wake Up Singapore (WUSG), this pressure led to a serious misstep that resulted in a fine and public scrutiny.
On August 26, Ariffin, along with 28-year-old Ma Su Nandar Htwe, a Myanmar national and Singapore permanent resident, were fined by the court after being involved in the dissemination of a fabricated story about a miscarriage at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Ma Su Nandar Htwe was fined S$10,000, while Ariffin was fined S$8,000. Both individuals pleaded guilty to criminal defamation, acknowledging the severe consequences of their actions.
The False Story
The case began on March 21, 2022, when Ma Su Nandar Htwe sent a series of messages to WUSG’s Instagram account, detailing a harrowing account of a miscarriage she claimed to have suffered at KKH. In her messages, she described testing positive for COVID-19 while 20 weeks pregnant and experiencing severe abdominal pains. According to her fabricated account, she was neglected by hospital staff, and the situation culminated in her losing her baby, who was then supposedly discarded as medical waste.
For Ariffin, this story was compelling and disturbing, resonating with the kind of issues WUSG often sought to highlight—stories of people who felt marginalized or unheard. Driven by a sense of responsibility to bring these issues to light, Ariffin asked Ma Su Nandar Htwe for medical documentation to support her claims. She provided a scanned medical receipt from KKH, which further convinced him of the story’s authenticity.
The Rush to Publish
Feeling the pressure to get the story out quickly, Ariffin emailed KKH on March 23, 2022, informing them of WUSG’s intent to publish the story and asking for their response. However, in his eagerness to bring the story to the public, Ariffin did not wait for KKH’s reply. Instead, he published the article that same day across WUSG’s website and social media platforms. The article, titled “‘The baby is probably dead’ – Woman shares a harrowing account of her miscarriage at KKH A&E,” quickly gained traction and was picked up by other local news outlets.
The Unraveling of the Story
As the story spread, KKH conducted its own investigation and identified significant discrepancies between the woman’s account and the hospital’s records. The truth emerged: while Ma Su Nandar Htwe had indeed visited KKH on February 28, 2022, for COVID-19 symptoms and abdominal pains, she was discharged in good health and later delivered her baby safely in July 2022. The story she provided to WUSG was a complete fabrication, except for the fact that she had been pregnant.
When KKH contacted Ma Su Nandar Htwe to clarify the situation, she initially stood by her story but eventually admitted that it was untrue. She confessed that she had sent the fabricated account in a moment of impulsiveness, driven by a desire for attention during a time of boredom.
Ariffin’s Regret and Remedial Actions
Upon learning that the story was false, Ariffin was devastated. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he immediately took down the article and all related posts from WUSG’s platforms. He reached out to KKH to personally apologize for the error and published a retraction the following day, detailing the events that led to the publication of the false story and issuing a public apology to the hospital and the community.
Ariffin’s quick actions and sincere apologies were a reflection of his deep regret for the mistake. As someone who had dedicated himself to giving a voice to the voiceless, Ariffin found himself grappling with the realization that his well-intentioned efforts had inadvertently caused harm. The intense pressure to stay relevant and deliver timely news had clouded his judgment, leading him to bypass crucial steps in the verification process.
The Legal Consequences
During the sentencing, Ariffin’s defense lawyers emphasized his genuine remorse and cooperation with the authorities. They highlighted his early plea of guilt and the swift remedial actions he took to correct the situation. The court acknowledged these factors but also stressed the importance of accountability, particularly in the media industry where the dissemination of false information can have far-reaching consequences.
In the end, the court fined Ariffin S$8,000, a significant penalty that underscored the seriousness of the offense. If unable to pay the fine, Ariffin faces 20 days in jail. Despite the outcome, Ariffin’s actions after the incident demonstrated a commitment to learning from his mistakes and upholding the principles of responsible journalism.
A Broader Reflection on Media Pressures
The case of Ariffin Iskandar and Wake Up Singapore serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by independent media operators in today’s digital age. The race to publish news quickly can sometimes lead to shortcuts in the editorial process, with dire consequences. Ariffin’s experience is a testament to the delicate balance between speed and accuracy, a balance that is increasingly difficult to maintain in the constantly evolving media landscape.
For Ariffin, this incident was a painful but valuable lesson in the importance of thorough verification and the responsibility that comes with being a voice for the community. While the road ahead may be challenging, Ariffin’s commitment to making amends and his continued dedication to his work suggest that he will emerge from this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities that come with his role in the media.
