GEORGE TOWN – DAP has come out in full support of Penangites targeted with harassment and intimidation following the viral incident in Kepala Batas, where a hardware store owner displayed the Jalur Gemilang flag upside down.
The incident, which prompted calls for protests from an Umno Youth leader, has drawn strong responses from the DAP leaders.
Party secretary-general Anthony Loke, party advisor Lim Guan Eng and Penang DAP chief Steven Sim and condemned the attempts to stir up further tension, with Loke calling out those trying to interfere with the legal process.
Loke reaffirmed the party’s support for the shopowner, announcing that DAP members would distribute 831 Jalur Gemilang flags for free at the Bertam store as a symbol of unity in conjunction with Independence Day celebrations.
Loke also condemned public attempts to pressure the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) into charging the shopowner, calling it an attempt to interfere with legal decisions. He stressed that the AGC should be allowed the space and freedom to make decisions without political pressure.
Loke also criticised the planned protest outside the store, describing it as an outright attempt at bullying.
“We must not only firmly oppose bullying in schools, but also against the elderly,” Loke said. “To deal with these immature folks, we must demonstrate greater rationality and adopt peaceful, respectful approaches.”
Loke's statement came after Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s threatened to hold a protest at the shop in Bertam, Kepala Batas, if no charges were pressed against the owner by August 13.
Akmal had previously stated his intention to visit the store to "personally educate" the owner. However, he abandoned the plan after the storeowner was arrested by police.
The 59-year-old man was taken into custody last week after a video showing him holding the flag upside down went viral. The shop owner explained that the incident occurred while he was measuring an iron pole, and that he had immediately corrected the mistake. Despite this, he was arrested and later released on bail.
Acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin confirmed that the investigation would be referred to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.
As a show of unity, Loke said DAP will sponsor a large Jalur Gemilang flag, which will be displayed at the shop later this evening. Loke emphasised that this would demonstrate the correct way to display the national flag.
Loke also expressed his firm opposition to public pressure on the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), urging that legal decisions be made independently without political influence. He also condemned the planned protest outside the store, calling it an unacceptable attempt at bullying.
“We must not only firmly oppose bullying in schools, but also against the elderly,” Loke said. “To deal with these immature folks, we must demonstrate greater rationality and adopt peaceful, respectful approaches.”
Meanwhile, DAP advisor and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has criticised the Umno leader for what he described as a double standard and selective persecution over the flag incident.
Lim pointed out that Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh had not taken similar actions against government agencies or Malay political parties, such as PAS or Terengganu Umno Youth, who had also made similar mistakes with the flag.
“The nation cannot allow one irresponsible individual to twist a false and dangerous narrative filled with hate, bullying, and interference in the administration of justice, which goes against the core principles of Rukun Negara,” Lim said in a statement.
He added that Akmal must be stopped and called for the Home Ministry to take action against him for violating the Rukun Negara and threatening national unity, harmony, the administration of justice, and the rule of law.
Sim confirmed that the matter has been left to the police for investigation, while stressing that no third party should be allowed to inflame the situation.
“There is no room for any third party to capitalise or to ‘inflame’ the situation,” Sim said in a statement. “If any party turns up to intimidate or disturb Penangites in this (flag) issue, Penang DAP will go to the ground, stand with the public and greet these provocateurs by distributing Jalur Gemilang flags as a symbol of unity and love for the country.”
Sim, who also serves as Human Resources Minister, highlighted that the focus should be on preserving unity, strengthening harmony, and promoting patriotism—not on racial provocation, violence, or insults. – August 12, 2025
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