PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian eSports Federation (MESF) strongly condemns two recent incidents involving disrespect towards the Malaysian flag by the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) e-sports community.
In the first instant, a member of the American MLBB team BloodThirstyKings player Michael "MobaZane" Cosgun, posted a video with the word "noob" with an arrow pointing to a graphic of the Jalur Gemilang on his Instagram.
“Writing the word ‘noob’ on the Malaysian flag during a live broadcast is a serious insult to our national symbol,” wrote MESF in a Facebook post on Sunday (Nov 17)
The term “noob” is often used derogatorily in gaming to describe players who lack experience or have poor skills.
In the second incident, a graphic shared by the MLBB Professional League Indonesia (MPLID) official Instagram page displayed a distorted Jalur Gemilang with only 11 red and blue stripes.
The post was meant to announce Malaysia's 2-1 victory over Indonesia in the semi-finals of the World eSports Championships.
“The incorrect representation of the Malaysian flag on social media undermines professionalism and the integrity of international events,” wrote MESF.
MESF also demands public apologies from both parties involved, the implementation of stricter guidelines to prevent similar incidents, and firm action from Moonton Game, the developer of MLBB.
“MESF expects Moonton to respond within seven days to uphold harmony and professionalism in esports,” it said.
Cosgun has since issued written an apology on his official YouTube channel and removed the offending video from his social media.
“I fully understand that it was disrespectful, and I regret posting it as I want to sincerely apologise to the Malaysian community, as well as anyone else who was offended by my actions,” he wrote in a YouTube community post on Sunday (Nov 17).
Cosgun arrived in Malaysia on Nov 16 for the Swiss stage of the M6 World Championships, which will begin on Nov 28. The tournament features a US$1mil (RM 4,480,453) prize pool,
