Fear, flags, and the politics of impunity
'I dare not put up the Jalur Gemilang this year as I have been doing the past 21 years. Fear of being called up for whatever reason, such as being too old, dirty due to exposure, or (what if) the wind blows the flag upside down, not upright enough, etc.
'So, not putting the flag up this year… not being (un)patriotic, but (from) fear of being charged.'
Similar sentiments have been expressed on social media, and no amount of assurances or cajoling will change this, because the self-appointed brigade of flag inspectors is on the prowl.
But how is patriotism measured? A man who flew the flag...
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The Star
12 minutes ago
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Ipoh to launch awareness campaigns on Jalur Gemilang display, says Perak local govt exco
IPOH: Awareness and educational campaigns will be carried out to ensure the Jalur Gemilang is displayed properly, says Sandrea Ng. The Perak local government committee chairman said the government and its agencies have always encouraged the display of the national flag during the National Month celebration to foster patriotism. "There had been recent issues of the flag being displayed incorrectly. "We are taking note of this and will provide information through awareness and educational campaigns so the issue does not arise again," she told reporters after closing the Perak Pawsitive Initiative at the Red Crescent Hall here on Sunday (Aug 17). "It is a straightforward matter, but we need to be more careful when displaying our flag to avoid unnecessary disputes," she said. "The government, through the relevant authorities, will continue to emphasise the correct information, tips and reminders to be disseminated so that the public are properly informed and for the national month's celebrations to run smoothly," she added. Ng said it is not mandatory for business premises to display the Jalur Gemilang, but strongly encouraged them to do so. "At present, some premises have already put up the Jalur Gemilang, but these are not under the jurisdiction of local councils. "We are working with private organisations, assemblymen's service centres and local councils to give out the flags," she said.
Free Malaysia Today
16 minutes ago
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Unrealistic to cut ties with only Akmal, says DAP man
V Papparaidu urged DAP Youth leaders to keep calm as Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh is already under police investigation. PETALING JAYA : A member of the DAP leadership has played down calls for the party to sever ties with Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh over his actions in the Jalur Gemilang issue, but promises that the matter will be discussed by the top leadership. DAP central executive committee member V Papparaidu said it would be unrealistic to expect the party to cut ties with Akmal without affecting its wider relationship with Umno, which could hamper the stability of the unity government, of which Umno is a key partner. 'Political relationships are complex and interconnected, and any action we take must be carefully weighed so as not to jeopardise broader cooperation and stability,' he told FMT. Nonetheless, Papparaidu said he would ensure that the proposal, raised by the Penang and Negeri Sembilan DAP Youth, would be brought to the CEC. 'Every view from the grassroots is valuable, and it is important that such perspectives are given a proper platform. However, we always follow our secretary-general's guidance and advice to ensure our party's discipline is maintained at all times,' he said. He urged DAP Youth leaders to keep calm and be patient since Akmal was already under police investigation over a Facebook video concerning the flag issue, in which he allegedly made statements that could disrupt public peace. Akmal is under investigation for sedition and criminal intimidation over the video, which is related to a hardware shop owner in Penang who accidentally hung the Jalur Gemilang upside down. Akmal laughed off the threat to sever ties with him and dared DAP to do so, saying such a move would inadvertently mean ending its relationship with Umno. FMT has sought comment from DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook. Papparaidu said all politicians should let the police take the lead on the issue. He, nonetheless, took a swipe at Akmal for warning about taking things into his own hands if no punitive action is taken on the hardware shop owner. 'Akmal has attempted to pressure the police by setting an arbitrary time frame for action, which can be interpreted as a threat against the authorities. 'It is important that we continue to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and maintain discipline in our political actions,' said Papparaidu, who is a Selangor executive councillor.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
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Dr Zaliha reminds public to always honour jalur gemilang
PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has reminded the public and business premises in the Federal Territories to always honour the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of the nation's dignity and identity. She said that the Malaysian flag, which serves to instil patriotism among the people, must be given due prominence. Dr Zaliha also advised the public to fly the flag according to the prescribed guidelines. "What has happened in the recent weeks serves as a reminder for us to be cautious when raising the Malaysian flag, which must be in line with the recommended guidelines, to safeguard the nation's honour and the symbol of its glory," she said. She spoke to reporters after the Madani Brisk Walk 2.0 programme at Taman Saujana, hosted by Putrajaya PKR, here this morning. Dr Zaliha said the event is in line with the Federal Territories' vision of becoming a CHASE city (Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-Friendly). She also distributed the Jalur Gemilang to programme participants and residents in Putrajaya in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations on Aug 31 and Sept 16. This year's celebrations carry the theme "Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni." — BERNAMA
