'Enough of apologies': Akmal pans organiser over display of China flag

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh expressed his outrage over a recent incident involving the public display of the China flag during an event in Perak.

He criticised the organisers of the Guan Gong cultural festival for failing to include the Malaysian flag in the event and dismissed their subsequent apology.

“What is going on here? Holding a public procession without a permit and raising the China flag, with not a single Malaysian flag in sight - this has gone too far,” Akmal said.

Referring to another recent incident at a school in Penang, he emphasised that apologies were no longer enough.

He instructed Umno Youth members in Perak to file a police report demanding a full investigation and strict punishments for those involved.

Akmal urged authorities to take firm legal action to preserve national sensitivities and unity.

“Stop playing with the sensitivities in our country. Enough of this.

“We’re tired of apologies. We want concrete action and consequences for these acts,” he asserted.

Unplanned

Earlier today, the Guan Gong Cultural Association, which organised the event, apologised and clarified that the individuals filmed waving the flags were Chinese nationals, not Malaysians.

Association president Soon Boon Hua stated that the waving of Chinese flags was unplanned and that it was customary to fly the Jalur Gemilang at the event.

Police confirmed that the parade did not meet the requirements for holding gatherings under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris said the cultural parade, which also included a procession of decorated floats, took place from 8pm to 11.30pm yesterday, with approximately 400 spectators.

“Police have summoned the organisers to have their statements recorded, and they will also be asked to submit the names of all their foreign participants, believed to be from China, to assist in the investigation,” he said in a statement today.

Azizi said the case is being investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and the National Emblems Act 1949 for displaying a foreign national emblem in a public place.

‘Prioritise patriotism’

MCA Youth has described the incident as an embarrassing and unpatriotic act towards Malaysia.

The wing’s information chief Neow Choo Seong urged all parties, especially NGOs, to prioritise love for the country and patriotism in every organised event or gathering.

“The saying ‘di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung’ (to follow rules and customs wherever we are) should be a guiding principle for us all, emphasising that patriotism and love for Malaysia must always come first.

“The incident at the Menara Condong in Teluk Intan, Perak, and prior to that, at a school in Penang, should not have happened and must not be repeated.”

He said government agencies must be more alert and sensitive when granting permission for events.

“Every programme should ideally incorporate elements of love for Malaysia.

“At the same time, the authorities must also better monitor such events, especially those held in public places, schools, and tourist destinations.”

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