Bertam assemblyman Reezal Merican Naina Merican has called for calm following an incident where a Jalur Gemilang was hoisted upside down outside a hardware store in his state constituency in Penang.
Reezal said while the issue is serious and cannot be ignored, it is important to address it calmly and avoid fanning ethnic or political tensions.
“I am not authorised to investigate, but either it was done deliberately or it was a mistake is hard to explain. The law must be respected, regardless of who is involved,” he said.
A 30-second video had circulated on social media showing Reezal seeking an explanation from the hardware store staff over the incident. The assemblyman subsequently filed a police report over the matter yesterday.
Reezal also said the police must be given the opportunity to probe the case properly and fairly, warning the public against rushing to conclusions that could worsen communal sentiments.
Reezal, a former federal minister, called on Malaysians to avoid racial stereotypes and political partisanship when discussing sensitive issues.
“We must think progressively and, above all, fairly – not from a Malay, Indian or Chinese perspective.”
Earlier today, police arrested the 59-year-old hardware store owner over the incident.
Acting Penang police chief Alwi Zainal Abidin said the investigation paper will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office tomorrow for further action.
He added that 16 reports had been received nationwide over the incident, including 12 from Penang.
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh announced his plan to visit and teach the owner of the hardware store how to properly display the Jalur Gemilang.
Following this, the party wing planned to mobilise a crowd for a protest rally at the shop in Kepala Batas tomorrow.
Alwi, however, advised the party wing to forgo its plan for the gathering, saying that the authorities have already taken action.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said no party should take advantage of the situation, let alone threaten to protest in front of the business premises involved or “teach” people how to fly the flag.
“Such actions amount to bullying and are firmly rejected by Malaysians,” he said in a Facebook post.
He stressed that the Jalur Gemilang, as a symbol of national sovereignty, must be flown correctly and with the utmost respect. This is why there are specific laws governing its display.
“As this year’s National Day approaches, let us strengthen our unity, respect our diversity, and work tirelessly to contribute towards the progress and development of our beloved Malaysia,” he said.
