KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has decided that stern action will be taken against “irresponsible politicians” who incite public sentiment over the upside-down flag incident in Penang, reports said.
According to Malaysiakini yesterday, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the issue was specifically discussed during the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Chang was quoted as saying that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other Cabinet members were deeply concerned that the incident could dampen public enthusiasm for the Merdeka Day celebrations.
“As such, it was decided that stern action will be taken against these irresponsible politicians.
“Someone was already summoned by the police yesterday to give a statement and is now being investigated under three laws.
“We will wait and see if any individual will eventually be charged in court,” he said.
The report said Chang made the remarks during a speech at an event in Klang.
Chang also criticised “irresponsible politicians” for stoking sentiments during Merdeka month by exaggerating the upside-down flag incident.
He added that he believed no one would deliberately hang the national flag upside down.
It was reported that Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh recently had his statement recorded at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here on Friday over the assembly in Kepala Batas, Penang, last Thursday.
His lawyer, Aizat Azam, had said that the Merlimau assemblyman had fully cooperated and answered all some 80 questions posed by the investigating officer.
He had also said Dr Akmal is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 506 of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
