The Sec Gen of Umno recently emphasized that corruption must be backed by evidence rather than relying on public narrative or political optics.
Speaking out on legal investigations, he made it clear that while UMNO will not protect anyone involved in wrongdoing, individuals under investigation must not be prematurely treated as guilty.
He stated that treating an individual as guilty before trial contradicts the rule of law and basic principles of justice.
The Sec Gen of UMNO should also share his advice with this party members and fellow politicians not to accuse and punish those hanging a flag upside down or backward too quickly without clear facts,
Just like in corruption cases, quick accusations do not replace clear facts.
Rushing to punish someone before understanding the situation is unfair.
Demanding severe action over an obvious accident can cause more harm than the original mistake.
Those who demand strict penalties must ensure their own reactions come from a genuine respect for the country, not from a desire to attack or shame others.
Even the National Unity Minister, after much investigations, agreed and concludes that it is often a simple oversight or lack of knowledge rather than a deliberate insult.
Police investigations into past cases found that honest errors are often made by staff or foreign workers who do not fully understand flag etiquette.
When a flag is raised upside down but corrected later, is a valid blunder.
No action should be taken by any bodies, period.
Every time, smartphone photos of incorrectly hoisted flags (such as upside-down configurations) are posted online and shared thousands of times before the owner or organization can physically correct the oversight.
Social media algorithms prioritize high-engagement, emotionally charged content. This incentivizes partisan actors and online nationalist groups to "patrol" the internet, flagging errors to whip up public resentment.
And opportunistic political figures frequently seize on viral flag photos to launch public crusades, demand immediate criminal prosecutions, or coordinate physical protests outside small local businesses to score political capital.
This is not belittling the issue of those flying the flag wrongly.
Bet that those who were shouting with venom do not know the meaning it carries for each stripe, each colour, and the star and crescent.
Some of the loudest voices have never even held the flag with pride, yet speak as if they alone fought for our freedom.
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