KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Basketball Association (Maba) has apologised for the major boo-boo of a distorted Jalur Gemilang during the opening ceremony of the National Under-15 Basketball Championship.
Its president Datuk Lua Choon Hann explained that this happened due to the carelessness of the contractor in charge of the “live stream” who used the wrong flag when the Negaraku was being played.
“When the mistake occurred, our executive director immediately called for the video to be shut down.
“We take this issue very seriously and are working with the authorities investigating the matter,” Lua said in a statement yesterday.
He said Maba had acted by terminating the contractor’s services.
“We apologise to all Malaysians and we (are) truly regretful of the error, carelessness and the trouble it has caused,” he added.
He clarified that Westports officials had nothing to do with the issue, adding that the company’s name was only permanently placed on the sides of the screen for being the sponsor.
“Maba is a sports association and we only want to do what is best to improve basketball in Malaysia. We will continue to work hard and be conscientious to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” he added.
Deeply regretful: Maba officials bowing in apology during a press conference at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
In a viral video posted by one Rafi Awg Kechik on Facebook, the inaccurate flag featured a five-pointed star that was shown on the stadium TV screen as the national anthem was played at the Maba Stadium here on Monday.
The flag also featured 10 red and white stripes, as opposed to the 14 stripes on the national flag.
The Jalur Gemilang is composed of a 14-pointed star and 14 red and white stripes that represent the nation’s 13 states and the Federal Territories.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, who is Maba’s patron, urged the authorities to act against the company involved.
“Maba has lodged a police report and apologised on Facebook and Instagram. They will also hold a press conference on this incident.
“I hope the authorities will take action against the individual or the company that made this mistake, ” he tweeted yesterday.
Meanwhile, Lua was called to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters to have his statement recorded over the controversy.
City police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said Lua explained that the incident was a result of a mistake caused by IT consultants.
He said the consultant was also called in and an investigation was underway to determine if the incident was intentional or otherwise.
