Flag blunder: Bersatu Youth joining Umno counterpart's protest in Penang

Bersatu Youth has announced that it will participate in Umno Youth's campaign against the desecration of the Jalur Gemilang in Penang tomorrow.

In a statement, Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham said his wing will do so because incidents of the national flag being flown upside down have been occurring repeatedly.

"The call to defend Jalur Gemilang is a signal for national unity. The unity and togetherness of the rakyat must be mobilised to defend our nation's flag, pride and dignity.

"In the spirit of solidarity that goes beyond partisan politics, Bersatu Youth will be with Umno Youth in Kepala Batas, Penang on Aug 14.

"We call all parties to respect the law and ensure this rally will take place peacefully and with the pure spirit of patriotism," he said.

The Gombak Setia assemblyperson added that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of Malaysia's sovereignty and all citizens must protect the flag.

Defending wrong side…

Hilman also expressed disappointment over the repeated incidents and was puzzled by those who attack the people who defend the Jalur Gemilang.

While he did not mention names, it was understood that Hilman was taking a swipe at DAP leaders who had been criticising Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

"These people are trying to divert attention from the main issue. They resorted to personal attacks and hid behind slogans like 'peace and harmony' and 'Rukun Negara'.

"Do not abuse and tarnish patriotism to defend wrongdoings.

"Action must be taken against those responsible (for the flag blunders) without any compromise. Such offence must be punished regardless of one's skin colour, religious background, and political belief," Hilman stressed.

Umno Youth had initially planned a protest in Kepala Batas after a hardware store owner went viral holding a Jalur Gemilang upside down, while Akmal said he would visit the store to teach the owner how to properly fly the flag.

However, the rally was postponed after police arrested the shop owner on Sunday.

Yesterday, Akmal threatened to go ahead with his plan to "educate this ah pek" if authorities do not press charges by today.

Following this, DAP announced that it will mobilise its members in Penang to defend the hardware store from troublemakers.

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