PAS backs firm action over Terengganu event flag gaffe

Free Malaysia Today

16-05-2025

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the authorities must carry out their duties under the law with transparency, fairness, and firmness. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : PAS has backed calls for a thorough investigation and firm action over a blunder involving an illustration of the Jalur Gemilang in the promotional material for a gathering organised by its state chapter in Terengganu.
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan acknowledged the incident involving the logo for the Himpunan Teguh Memimpin Terengganu (TMT 1.0) 2025, which depicted an incomplete national flag with incorrect star points and stripes.
Upon being alerted, Terengganu PAS issued a public apology and corrected the error. Disciplinary action was also taken against the personnel involved.
'However, PAS firmly agrees that an apology alone should not be accepted as a sufficient resolution for such errors. This must not become the norm,' Takiyuddin said in a statement.
He said that while PAS welcomed the internal steps taken by those involved, the party also supported efforts by the authorities to carry out their duties under the law with transparency, fairness, and firmness, to prevent such incidents from recurring.
'PAS believes that all parties have a duty to show the utmost respect and pride for our national symbols at all times, as a reflection of our national identity and patriotism,' he said.
On Wednesday, Terengganu PAS assistant secretary Hanafiah Mat said they could not stop those who remained dissatisfied and continued to demand further investigations despite the party's apology.
Outlining the steps taken to rectify the error, he said 'there is nothing more we can say'.
Government party leaders previously called for firm action against Terengganu PAS over the TMT 1.0 logo.
MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong said an apology should not be treated as an automatic solution each time a national symbol is disrespected or misrepresented.
He also reminded the public of PAS's previous response to similar incidents involving incorrect renditions of the Jalur Gemilang, stressing that enforcement must be carried out 'without fear or favour'.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh meanwhile called on MPs to draft specific legislation on the issue to enable stronger enforcement.
Similar flag snafus had involved the education ministry, Sin Chew Daily, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, and even a Singapore-based exhibition vendor, triggering a strong public backlash and prompting PAS itself to call for firm action on the matter.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported Terengganu police chief Khairi Khairudin as saying that 16 reports were received on the matter, and that an investigation paper had been opened.