Ikatan president Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir has expressed support for the home minister’s decision to probe two “stupid and unforgivable” incidents during the Merdeka eve celebrations at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

NONE “I am extremely worried about the unhealthy trend among certain section of our population in the way they carry out their politicking and also further whatever causes that they are pursuing,” Abdul Kadir (left) , once the information minister.

“ In this instance, I fully support the decision of the (home) minister in getting the police to investigate , charge and punish the two stupid and unforgivable actions by certain parties or individuals...”

He was responding in a statement to the actions of several individuals who displayed the Sang Saka Malaya flag and stepped on photos of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

He said it is “sadder that these unhealthy practices are happening during our sacred Merdeka month celebrations”.

He said these acts were the “worst” in the series of incidents over the past week, including the splashing of paint on Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s campaign bus and heckling by a group of Perkasa members at a mosque in Kedah.

“...the worst and painful are pictures of young Malaysians stepping on pictures of leaders. It is just not enough just calling them kurang ajar; this is so un-Bangsa Malaysia culture. It is ugly and should worry all of us that our young ones are acquiring these kind of ugly traits,” he said.

‘Respect the flag’

Abdul Kadir stressed that the national flag is sacred and should be revered as it was conceived by the founding fathers and is symbolic of unity and constitutional monarchy.

malaysia flag jalur gemilang “The flag must be defended with our very lives and not defiled in any way... I support any stern action taken against individuals involved so that their behaviour will not spread or be repeated."

Whatever the political differences, Abdul Kadir said everyone should respect the national symbols and leadership.

"It is unfortunate that after 55 years of independence, the trend shows that we are going backwards politically. Our politics are getting dirtier, and not at all reflecting the maturity that we should have had by now.”

He called on the police to stop all such activities in the sternest possible way and not take sides, thereby redeeming their good name and image.

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