Students holding China flags in Penang school not M'sians: Fahmi

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today denied claims that Malaysian students had waved China flags during a visit by Chinese naval university students to a school in Penang.

According to Fahmi, checks revealed that those holding the republic’s flags were Chinese nationals studying at Chung Ling Private High School.

Thus, the minister said, he has ordered the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate those who spread misinformation on social media by sharing photos of the event with misleading captions.

“I have contacted the Chung Ling Private High School to get their explanation, and the school has confirmed that they have some 33 students who come from China.

“It was the Chinese students who were holding China flags as shown in several photographs that had gone viral.

“They are not Malaysians but (foreigners) who are studying at the school. There were several other photos showing Malaysian students with their friends from China, and they were holding China flags and Jalur Gemilang respectively.

“I have asked MCMC to investigate those who deliberately spread fake news to cause disharmony in the society. Police have also been asked to take stern action in this case because these people try to cause unrest by suggesting that the government had allowed such a thing to happen,” he told reporters after an event in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.

On Oct 5, two Chinese naval vessels, including a naval training ship, docked in Penang as part of a three-day goodwill visit.

During the programme, 165 lecturers and students from the Naval University of Engineering China made a visit to the school for sports and cultural activities.

Culprits identified

However, the event gained mixed reactions, including heavy criticism from the opposition after photos went viral showing Chinese nationals in navy attire at the school and some of the school students waving China flags.

The photographs had been shared widely on social media alongside captions that suggested Malaysian students at the school were being unpatriotic for allegedly waving flags of a foreign country instead of Jalur Gemilang.

Fahmi in his press conference condemned the accusation and indicated that authorities have identified those spreading them.

“We already have all the details and authorities are taking action. So again I want to issue a reminder, that we should check and get our facts right first before making any comment.

“We have just celebrated Malaysia Day and Merdeka, but these people are already trying to sow discord among the people.

“I will leave this matter to the authorities to investigate and take appropriate actions,” he said.

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