Malaysia condemns flag-burning act

A screengrab of the video

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia wants the Philippines to take stern action against its citizen over an alleged incident of which a Malaysian flag was burned.

In a statement, Wisma Putra said the Philippines should also ensure that such an incident would not recur as it could potentially tarnish the excellent bilateral relations which both countries currently enjoy.

“Malaysia strongly condemns such acts and views that the burning of the Malaysian flag as a serious incident.

“The flag of a country is a sacred national symbol and should be treated with respect.

“Such actions and anti-Malaysia comments made by this individual are offensive and the accusations made are baseless,” said Wisma Putra in response to a video published in the Facebook account of “President Pamatong Supporters” on Jan 19 and 21.

The statement added that Elly Pamatong is a lawyer-turned-politician and is described as the self-proclaimed founder of the “United States Allied Freedom Fighters of the East”.

Pamatong is said to have burnt the Malaysian flag in protest against the presence of Malaysian peacekeeping forces in Mindanao.