Carnival halted over replica spacecraft with Chinese flag

Summary

• A carnival in Bukit Gambir, Johor, has been halted after an attraction featuring China’s national flag on a replica spacecraft sparked backlash.

• Umno’s Gambir assemblyperson Sahrihan Jani condemned the display as a threat to national dignity and urged organisers to face legal action.

• Police are investigating following a report by Ledang Umno Youth, while Sahrihan called for greater sensitivity in event planning to uphold unity and national security.

A carnival in Bukit Gambir, Johor, has been halted over an attraction that featured China’s national flag on a replica spacecraft.

In a statement today, Umno’s Gambir assemblyperson Sahrihan Jani said Ledang Umno Youth has lodged a police report over the matter, while he has been in contact with the Tangkak District Council since the issue went viral.

He said he was unofficially notified today that the carnival - originally slated to run from Dec 23 to Jan 12 next year - had been halted effective today.

“This shows Umno will never collude with anyone who threatens the nation’s dignity and security,” he said in a statement.

He also advised organisers of any events to be more sensitive to cultural norms, not cause any provocation, and be cautious with issues of unity and national security.

“The community in Gambir clearly rejects any covert attempts to promote things that go against the spirit of unity and love for Malaysia,” he added.

He also urged for the carnival’s organiser to be charged in court, saying that any apology would be inadequate to make up for the mistake.

According to the carnival’s social media promotions, the event includes attractions including LED light displays, bouncy castles, artificial snow, food stalls, and lucky draws.

The offending attraction was a large replica spaceplane resembling the US Space Shuttle and the Soviet Buran, but featured the Chinese flag on its wings.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian quoted Tangkak district police chief Roslan Mohd Talib confirming that a police report had been received and the matter is under investigation.

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