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A HARDWARE shop owner’s accidental display of the Jalur Gemilang upside down in Kepala Batas has ignited a nationwide discussion on civic responsibility and respect for national symbols, with calls from leaders to respond with education rather than outrage.
Pang Chin Tian, 59, who operates a hardware store in Taman Bertam Perdana, acknowledged the error and expressed readiness to face any repercussions. He explained the incident occurred unintentionally while preparing for Merdeka celebrations.
"I have always put up the Jalur Gemilang every year in front of my shop as a sign of love for the country," Pang said on Tuesday, insisting he had no intention of showing disrespect.
The matter quickly drew political attention, with Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali raising it in the Dewan Rakyat. She urged the government to audit flag displays at public institutions and schools in response to repeated instances of improper handling.
“I am disappointed with what happened, especially since such incidents have occurred multiple times,” she said. “The Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of red, white, blue, and yellow cloth—it symbolises our sovereignty, dignity, and national identity, and must be treated with full respect.”
Dr Halimah warned that such mistakes could be misinterpreted as political dissent or anti-national sentiment, particularly in the lead-up to Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day.
National Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye advised against politicising the matter and stressed the need for understanding.
“The Jalur Gemilang should be a unifying symbol, respected by all regardless of race, religion, or political belief. If the incident was unintentional, the individual involved should apologise, acknowledge it as a mistake, and correct it. That’s all,” he told Sinar Harian.
He called for greater public education, saying, “No one deliberately hangs the flag upside down. Some may simply not know. That’s why I suggest the government run awareness campaigns on how to correctly display the Jalur Gemilang.”
Dr G. Manimaran of Universiti Malaya’s International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA) echoed the call for education, urging a return to core civic and citizenship education.
“Too often, we politicise these issues instead of seeking solutions. We must look at the root cause and ensure all sectors play a role in raising awareness on proper flag usage,” he said.
However, Senator Professor Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan emphasised the need for firm action, warning that even unintentional disrespect towards national symbols must not be taken lightly.
“The government must act firmly. Anyone found guilty of insulting the national flag should be prosecuted. The maximum penalty is RM20,000, or three years in prison, or both,” he said.
“All Malaysians are duty-bound to honour the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of respect, pride, and national love. Strict enforcement is crucial to prevent such acts from recurring.” - August 13, 2025