AGC warns against flag errors, vigilante justice after Akmal-DAP rally
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) today issued a warning against the improper display of the Malaysian flag and cautioned against vigilante justice in such matters.
In a statement today, the AGC said that it views seriously any act of displaying, hoisting, or installing the Malaysian flag improperly or not following the appropriate procedures.
Summary
The AGC warns against the improper display of the Malaysian flag, citing recent incidents in Penang and Negeri Sembilan.
It also cautions the public against vigilantism over such matters, emphasising that complaints should be channelled through relevant authorities.
The statement comes after Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh led a 300-strong rally near a Penang hardware store over a flag incident, prompting DAP to counteract.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) today issued a warning against the improper display of the Malaysian flag and cautioned against vigilante justice in such matters.
In a statement today, the AGC said that it views seriously any act of displaying, hoisting, or installing the Malaysian flag improperly or not following the appropriate procedures.
The department pointed to several flag gaffe incidents:
The Malaysian flag being displayed upside down at a shop in Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang
The Malaysian flag being displayed upside down at a school in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
The erroneous display of the Malaysian flag in the SPM examination report book 2024
The erroneous display of the flag in the official social media accounts of Sin Chew Daily, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, and Harian Metro.
“This department wishes to emphasise that all parties are responsible for respecting the Malaysian flag as a symbol of national sovereignty, as well as complying with laws and guidelines that have legal force regarding its use.
“Any mistake relating to the installation or display of the Malaysian flag in an improper manner that may cause confusion, misunderstanding, or public disturbance may be subject to legal action.
“In this regard, this department also wishes to remind the public not to take matters into their own hands against anyone suspected of being involved in such acts,” the AGC said, highlighting several instances deemed unlawful.
This includes:
Storming the premises of the suspected party
Exposing personal information or making accusations through social media
Provoking or threatening individuals or organisations involved
Taking the law into their own hands, such as directing the lowering of the flag or seizing involved materials without legal authority.
“Instead, any complaints or information regarding this matter should be channelled to the authorities for appropriate action, in line with the principle of the rule of law,” it added.
The AGC’s statement comes amid escalating tensions between Umno Youth and its DAP counterpart, after a hardware shop in Kepala Batas, Penang, flew the Jalur Gemilang upside-down.
After demanding action against the Penang shopkeeper for hoisting the Malaysian flag upside down, Akmal found himself in an awkward position when Terengganu Umno Youth produced a poster with incorrect flag stripes.
However, in a Facebook video post, Akmal declared that he would continue his campaign against the desecration of the Jalur Gemilang, urging authorities to investigate and prosecute the youth wing member responsible for the poster.
The AGC’s statement today, however, appears not to have acknowledged the flag gaffe involving Terengganu Umno Youth.
Tensions boiling over
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh led a rally near the hardware store, joined by Bersatu leaders in Kepala Batas, prompting accusations of inciting vigilante justice. About 300 people had participated in the gathering.
In his speech, the firebrand Akmal denied being a bully and stressed that the national flag is a serious matter that transcends race, religion, and political affiliation.
Meanwhile, DAP party members appeared outside the hardware store, distributing Malaysian flags to the public in a gesture viewed as a counter-response despite police warnings against both gatherings.
An entire row of shops near the hardware store also closed their doors by 3pm to avoid being caught up in the rally.
Following yesterday’s protest, Penang DAP Youth had urged the party’s national leadership to cut ties with Akmal.
According to Penang DAP Youth, Akmal had seriously violated the country’s rule of law with his actions.
It said that the Merlimau state assemblyperson not only acted against the coalition government’s inclusive principle but also incited racial sentiments and undermined public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain the country’s stability.
An unfazed Akmal, however, told DAP to “bring it on”.
