Ipoh City Mayor Roshidi Hashim has rescinded an order for all businesses in the city to fly the Jalur Gemilang on National Day and the state flag during the Sultan’s birthday on April 19.

The order - which involves a threat of monetary penalties and blacklistings - was rescinded several hours after it was issued following intervention by Perak state exco member Mah Hang Soon.

mca youth agm 060310 mah hang soon 01 Contacted today, Mah ( right ) said MBI would not compel business owners to fly the flags but instead “encourage” them to do so.

“MBI can remind or encourage businesses to fly the flag. Once they are used to it, it becomes second nature. I have told the mayor that compulsion may result in the opposite effect,” said Mah, whose portfolio includes local government matters.

Mah  added that patriotism should be inculcated from the heart and not through compulsion.

He said that he was unaware of the mayor’s announcement as he was in another state and was only informed of the matter by the press. He then contacted the mayor at 3pm to ensure that the order was rescinded.

According to The Star , Roshidi said the new regulation was part of the city council’s effort to promote patriotism among city folk, especially the business communities.

Freedom of choice

He lamented that most business owners have yet to raise the Jalur Gemilang although National Day was just two weeks away.

NONE In Ipoh, Amnesty International (AI) Ipoh local group chief Zakaria Yahaya condemned Roshidi’s order, adding that it infringes on human rights.

“No force should be used. The priority should be on human rights (of choice). MBI should find ways to encourage, not compel, the public,” he said.

Ipoh Ratepayers and Tax payers Assocation deputy president Victor Shankey described Roshidi’s order as “extreme” and said the city council was trying to flex its muscles.

“The showing of patriotism and loyalty (by Malaysians) does not come through force but through mutual love for the country and state,” he said.

Additional reporting by Humayun Kabir