PAS wants Nga probed over China flags at festival, organiser apologises

China flags being waved during the Guan Gong cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak, has drawn the ire of state PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria.

He claimed that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had officiated the event on Sept 13.

Pointing out that Section 3 of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 (Act 139) forbids the displaying of foreign flags in public places or schools, he urged the police to investigate the minister, exco members, organiser and participants.

However, the Guan Gong Cultural Association, which organised the event, has apologised and clarified that the individuals who were filmed waving the flags were China nationals and not Malaysians.

Association president Soon Boon Hua said the waving of China flags was not planned and it was customary to fly the Jalur Gemilang at the event.

“As the organiser, I wish to apologise for the waving of China flags by the group from China.

“The Guan Gong celebration has been observed for many years and is organised from Johor to Kedah, with Perak being one of the ‘stations’ involved.

“At every programme in the different states, the Jalur Gemilang is flown to symbolise patriotism, and it was no different in Teluk Intan as well,” he added in a statement.

Guan Gong, also known as Guan Yu, was a famed general in Chinese history during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period (around 160-220 AD). His legendary skills and moral character earned him great respect and a prominent place in Chinese folklore.

Over centuries, Guan Yu became deified and transformed into a figure of cultural and spiritual significance, often worshipped as “Guan Gong”, the god of war, protection, and loyalty.

‘Shocked and disappointed’

Soon pledged to look into the incident and to rectify any shortcomings to ensure the programme’s continued success.

After a video of the individuals waving China flags circulated on social media, Razman claimed that he was “shocked and disappointed”.

“The programme involves a federal minister from DAP and is reported to be aimed at promoting unity and local tourism,” he added.

He said that Malaysia was founded on racial tolerance with the aim of upholding the Federal Constitution and action must be taken if there are elements which violate the supreme law of the land.

Furthermore, Razman argued that the event could be regarded as an official programme which has the blessings of the government because of the presence of Nga and state exco leaders.

“Such actions (waving of foreign flags) can be construed as an act of provocation which challenges the country’s sovereignty and harmony.

“Perak PAS urges for an investigation to be carried out against the participants, organiser, minister, and exco members who attended in their capacities as representatives of the federal and state governments,” he added.

Malaysiakini has contacted Nga for comment.

‘Defamatory’

DAP’s Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson Woo Kah Leong has strongly refuted accusations made by Razman.

According to Oriental Daily News, Woo clarified that the viral incident involving the waving of the Chinese flag did not occur at the Mid-Autumn Festival event on Sept 13.

He added that Razman’s allegations, suggesting that Nga and he were involved in such activities, were defamatory.

“This is a complete lie, as neither Nga nor I participated in any flag-waving event in Teluk Intan.

“Razman’s comments are defamatory and malicious, as he is attempting to associate the flag-waving incident with Nga and I,” he stated.

Woo urged Razman to retract his statement and publicly apologise for spreading misinformation.

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