Cops now probing Johor Guan Gong Festival parade
Following the investigation into the Guan Gong Cultural Festival parade in Teluk Intan, Perak, the parade in Johor Bahru now faces a similar police probe.
The event organiser expressed concerns that if the situation escalates, it could tarnish Malaysia’s image and keep foreign investors away.
According to Oriental Daily News, Guan Gong Cultural Association president Soon Boon Hua told the media today in Kedah that “certain individuals” should stop exploiting the issue.
He stated that continued hype around the issue could impact perceptions of Malaysia among other countries...
Following the investigation into the Guan Gong Cultural Festival parade in Teluk Intan, Perak, the parade in Johor Bahru now faces a similar police probe.
The event organiser expressed concerns that if the situation escalates, it could tarnish Malaysia’s image and keep foreign investors away.
According to Oriental Daily News, Guan Gong Cultural Association president Soon Boon Hua told the media today in Kedah that “certain individuals” should stop exploiting the issue.
He stated that continued hype around the issue could impact perceptions of Malaysia among other countries, including Chinese entrepreneurs.
Soon (above) shared that they had been organising the festival to promote cultural tourism in the country since June 6.
He revealed that the event attracted 500 representatives from 12 countries or regions, showcasing Malaysia’s appeal and helping to promote cultural tourism and awareness of Guan Gong culture.
Soon expressed concerns that if certain parties continue to stir up controversy, it may deter future participation and scare off foreign investment.
PAS takes aim at DAP leaders
The Guan Gong Cultural Festival team arrived in Kedah yesterday, holding an ancient ritual ceremony at a temple in Jitra today. Their next stops include Penang, followed by Thailand.
Previously, PAS and Perikatan Nasional leaders questioned the presence of China’s national flag during the Guan Gong Festival parades in Teluk Intan and Johor Bahru. PAS used this issue to criticise DAP leaders, including Nga Kor Ming, Woo Kah Leong, and Kerk Chee Yee.
However, organisers and participants clarified that the parade involved representatives from various countries, each waving their own national flags, with Malaysian flags also present at the scene.
The parades in Johor Bahru and Teluk Intan were held on Oct 20 and 24, respectively.
Organisers to be questioned
Police had previously launched an investigation into the Teluk Intan parade. With the Johor Bahru parade now also embroiled in controversy, the police will extend their investigation to this event as well.
According to a statement from Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief Raub Selamat, police received a report yesterday alleging that foreign flags were waved during a religious procession in Johor Bahru.
Following the report, the police will investigate the case under Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Raub added that the police would call up the event’s organisers and witnesses for questioning.
When contacted, Kerk said if summoned, he would cooperate and assist with the police investigation.
However, he emphasised that the parade did not violate any laws.
Instead, the parade is an international cultural event, attracting hundreds of foreign participants, he added.
“At the Johor Bahru event I attended, foreign representatives waving their national flags included China, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly others.
“You can also see on my social media that the Malaysian flag was present at the event,” Kerk told Malaysiakini.
He added that certain politicians with extremist leanings are trying to gain political capital by stirring up the issue and ignoring the truth.
“I am deeply disappointed that an event that can boost cultural tourism in Malaysia has become an easy target for cheap attacks by extremist politicians.”
