'We can’t defend Jalur Gemilang if we ourselves rip apart its spirit'

Summary

• PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim reminds all sides that the Jalur Gemilang is a national symbol of unity, sovereignty, and dignity.

• He warns that stoking sentiments would deepen polarisation, and says leaders should focus on solutions and national unity, as well as economic recovery, instead of trading barbs.

Amid an escalating war of words between Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and various DAP leaders, PKR Youth chief Kamil Abdul Munim has stepped into the fray with a reminder on what the Jalur Gemilang stands for.

He said the national flag is a symbol of sovereignty, dignity, and a testament to the unity of its multiracial society.

“History proves that the Jalur Gemilang never belonged to any political party, but to all Malaysians who love their country. To ennoble means upholding the values of togetherness, fostering national dignity above political egos, and rejecting all forms of division.

“PKR Youth will continue to be a voice to cool the situation, clarify discussions, and educate society on the importance of defending the Jalur Gemilang – a symbol of unity and sovereignty.

“We will not be able to defend the Jalur Gemilang at the border if we ourselves tear apart its spirit at the negotiating table,” Kamil said in a statement yesterday.

He said while the incident where the flag was flown upside-down should be viewed seriously, it should not become fodder for stoking political sentiments or trade provocations.

This is especially in view of the upcoming Merdeka Day celebrations, which he said should be a time to celebrate togetherness rather than to create animosity.

“Mature politics is not about who is the fastest to point fingers, but who is the quickest to find solutions.

“Today’s youths don’t want to see their leaders become rhetorical champions but fail to find solutions.

“We should be aware that the sentiments being stoked, whether deliberately or not, will close the space for rational discussions and drag the rakyat into a debilitating state of polarisation,” he said.

Upside-down flag

The issue started when SJKC Chung Hua in Negeri Sembilan flew the Jalur Gemilang upside-down on Aug 1.

The school has since apologised and said it has taken immediate steps to rectify it, while Lukut assemblyperson Choo Ken Hwa said it was a mistake by a worker with an intellectual disability.

The police are investigating the incident under four laws, namely Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 5 of the Emblems and Names Act 1963, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Despite the school’s apology, Akmal continued to trade barbs with DAP leaders over the issue, particularly DAP Youth, which quickly devolved into name-calling.

Kamil, who is also Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary, said the truth behind the incident will only emerge through a fair and transparent investigation, not speculation or wild accusations on social media.

If it was deliberate, then it should be punished under the law without compromise. If it were unintentional, then efforts to promote civic awareness should be redoubled.

“PKR Youth also believes the space and energy for discussions should be focused on matters more beneficial to the rakyat instead, such as reviving the economy and strengthening unity,” he added.

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