Penang Island City Council (MBPP) member Ong Ah Teong has criticised the state Umno for being "rude and recalcitrant" by not respecting laws passed in Parliament by their own lawmakers.

"Indirectly, their provocative action in Komtar today, where their members torched a DAP flag, showed that Penang Umno does not respect the Yang di- Pertuan Agong as the law which governs illegal structures was passed in Parliament with His Majesty's approval," he added in a statement.

Ong ( photo:right ) defended MBPP's action in dismantling the Umno logo erected in front of Menara Umno on Jalan Macalister, saying it was in compliance with the 1974 Road, Drainage and Building Act (Act 133).

He said under this law, Penang Umno should have obtained a written approval from MBPP to erect the signboard but failed to do so.

"Instead, they went ahead and put it up although they are aware of the existing laws.

"They should not criticise MBPP's action although it was carried out during the month of Ramadan because in the first place, they (Penang Umno) did not comply with the proper rules and regulations," he added.

Apart from burning the DAP flag, the group of about 50, led by state secretary Musa Sheik Fadzirm, submitted a memorandum to MBPP.

Musa later dismissed claims his members acted like "hoolingans", and accused DAP of ruling the state with an "iron fist".

He said if Umno were gangsters , they would have "punched you on the face", referring to the MBPP workers who tried to dismantle the logo on Friday.

'Childish, uncivilised and undignified'

Meanwhile, Ong urged Umno members to heed their secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor who concurred that dismantling of illegal structures was within MBPP’s powers.

The federal territories minister had also inquired if Penang Umno had sought the necessary permission to put up the logo.

"Their actions have tarnished the Rukun Negara which states that all Malaysians must be loyal to the king and country.

"They have also tarnished the month of Ramadan by burning the DAP flag," said the councillor.

"Umno should be patient during Ramadan and not act immaturely, childishly, in an undignified and uncivilised manner," he added.

Ong said Umno was free to initiate legal action against MBPP if they felt that the council, led by its president Patahiyah Ismail, had acted in violation of the law.

He denied treating Umno unfairly, saying MBPP’s actions only goes to show Penangites the council does not discriminate anyone when it comes to enforcing the law.