IPOH: The police have called up 17 Chinese nationals who were involved in the flag-raising incident during a cultural event in Teluk Intan to help with investigations.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said the Chinese nationals, who were participants of a procession during the event, have had their statements taken.
The matter is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act for holding a procession without a permit, and Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act for displaying a foreign emblem in a public area.
“We found that they did not have a permit for the procession, which had religious elements and floats, while about 400 people were present,” he said yesterday.
“Anyone intending to hold a gathering needs to submit an application to the police at least 10 days in advance.”
He urged the public to avoid participating in any illegal gatherings that could cause disturbance or threaten public order.
“Any individual found guilty under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act can be fined up to RM10,000.”
Earlier yesterday, Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria claimed that Perak executive council member Woo Kah Leong and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming were present at the event, after a video of the flag display went viral.
In a separate statement, Woo demanded that Razman retract his claim that both he and Nga were present at the event, and also called on the Gunung Semanggol assemblyman to publicly apologise for spreading misinformation.
“His statement is slanderous and malicious, attempting to link the incident with Nga and me. Neither of us was present at the event,” Woo said.
“A responsible opposition leader should verify facts before making any statements, especially considering past defamation suits that required substantial compensation.
“I want to emphasise once again, that as a Malaysian and also a representative of the people, I have always upheld the sovereignty of Malaysia and never divided Malaysians like what PAS is doing now,” he added.
Likewise, in a brief reply, Nga said police reports would be lodged against Razman for inciting hatred and spreading falsehood.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Kebudayaan Guan Gong chairman Soon Boon Hua clarified on its Facebook page that the China flag-raising incident occurred during the Guan Gong Festival, and it was unplanned.
He said the flags were raised by Chinese nationals, not Malaysians.
“As the event organiser, we want to apologise to the people over the display of the China flag.
“The act (of displaying the China flags) was not in our plan,” he said in the statement where he added that the Jalur Gemilang was raised by the organiser at the event, which was also held in other states, as a mark of patriotism.
The event was meant to celebrate the deity Guan Gong, who is worshipped by Taoists as god of war and wealth.
