China flags at festival: Cops find organiser at fault

The police are wrapping up an investigation into the public waving of China’s flags during a Guan Gong cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak, on Thursday (Oct 24).

In a statement, Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris said they recorded statements from three committee members of the Guan Gong Cultural Association, which was responsible for organising the parade, and 16 China nationals who participated in the event.

A 49-year-old local who served as a guide to the China nationals was also interviewed.

According to Azizi, all 16 foreigners - eight male and eight female aged between 40 and 56 - admitted to police that they waved China’s flags during the parade.

“So far, the police have received a total of 16 reports regarding this case. Checks revealed that the organiser had a valid police permit that was approved on Oct 2, 2024.

“However, the organiser has violated the permit conditions as they allowed foreigners to take part in the parade despite it being stated in the permit that no foreigners are allowed,” he said.

Azizi said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act for allowing foreigners to join the event and Section 3(1) of the National Emblem Act for waving a foreign flag during the parade.

“The investigation paper will be referred to the public prosecutor this Monday for further action,” the police chief said.

It was reported that following the incident, the association apologised and clarified that the individuals who were filmed waving the flags were China nationals and not Malaysians.

Guan Gong Cultural Association president Soon Boon Hua said the waving of China’s flag was not planned and it was customary to fly the Jalur Gemilang at the event.

The incident also spawned political controversy as Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria accused DAP of being behind the event.

He also claimed that Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who is also the Perak DAP chief, officiated the event on Sept 13.

However, Nga denied the allegation, calling it slanderous and malicious, and ordered his officer to lodge a police report against Razman.

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