WhatsApp has recently been abuzz with claims that armed forces personnel carried a giant Jalur Gemilang the wrong way around during the recent Merdeka parade.
In a viral video, a netizen complained that the national flag was carried incorrectly from multiple perspectives, including when viewed from the main gallery where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and other dignitaries were gathered.
Such mix-ups are not uncommon. Vertical standees of the national flag also tend to leave many Malaysians scratching their heads as the crescent and 14-point star are designed to point upwards, away from the stripes.
So, was the Jalur Gemilang paraded wrongly at the Merdeka march-past on Sunday? FMT takes a closer look.
The correct way to fly
In an official guidebook titled “Jalur Gemilang” issued in 2020 by the information department, which comes under the auspices of the communications and multimedia ministry, it is stated:
“If the Jalur Gemilang is carried at a parade in a spread-out manner, the head of the flag must lead the procession, just as it would if the flag were carried on a flagpole.”
At the parade on Aug 31, the VVIP viewing gallery was situated on the right of the marching contingent.
Taking the front row of marchers as representing an invisible flagpole, the blue canton containing the crescent and star was properly placed at the front left of the contingent.
Who sets the official rules for the flag?
According to the official guidelines, the main do’s and don’ts of handling the Jalur Gemilang are as follows:
- Always keep it clean and off the ground.
- When on a flagpole, the flag must be flown horizontally, with the blue canton at the top left.
- Light it up at night if flown outdoors.
- Do not use the national flag on clothing, as table covers, or for advertising.
- Do not alter or distort it.
What happens if the flag is displayed wrongly?
Several laws cover flag use, including the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963 and the National Emblem (Control of Display) Act 1949.
Improper use can bring fines or jail. Under the Emblems and Names Act, offenders face up to three years’ jail or a RM20,000 fine, or both. The National Emblem Act prescribes fines of up to RM500 or six months’ jail for individuals, and up to RM1,000 for companies.
Improper use can also attract penalties under the Sedition Act 1948 or Penal Code if it is seen as insulting the national symbol. Under the Sedition Act, insulting the flag carries three years’ jail or a RM5,000 fine.
