Her remarks followed his ultimatum that a hardware store owner in Penang be charged for allegedly flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down, warning that UMNO Youth members would visit the premises to conduct a “flag installation class” if his demand was not met. Siti pointed out that the store owner, Feng Jin Zhen, had already issued a public apology and had not sought attention by publicizing the mistake himself.
Feng was detained by police on August 9 and released on bail the next day after giving his statement. Authorities have been investigating under several laws, including the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, the Minor Offences Act 1955, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Police confirmed that over ten statements had been recorded and the investigation papers sent to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
Siti argued that the actions of the UMNO Youth chief amounted to intimidation and that the authorities appeared to be taking cues from him rather than upholding the rule of law independently. She also accused the government of tolerating “gangsterism politics” and allowing elected representatives to misuse their positions.
Her concerns were echoed by Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek, who announced plans to be present at the store to safeguard the owner from harassment. He criticised the move by UMNO youth chief as an abuse of political influence that could incite division among Malaysians.
Both Siti and Zaid stressed that such behaviour from a government-linked politician was particularly dangerous, given the potential to inflame racial tensions. They argued that the lack of firm action undermined the government’s stated commitment to unity and fairness.
Siti also expressed disappointment in the current administration, saying that leaders who once championed minority rights while in opposition now seemed unwilling to act when those same communities faced intimidation. She accused the government of double standards, noting that swift action was often taken against vulnerable individuals while corruption cases received slower attention.
She concluded by lamenting the politicisation of national symbols, warning that allowing such tactics to go unchecked could further erode trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
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