BANGKOK: The displaying of an incomplete image of the Jalur Gemilang must not be taken lightly, as the national flag is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and dignity, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said while investigations must proceed through the proper legal channels, it must be done without undue pressure or demands.
“I have said we must not appear excessive in our actions just to meet certain demands,” he said when asked on the incident involving the publication of an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on Sin Chew Daily’s front page.
He reminded all parties not to take mistakes involving the Jalur Gemilang lightly.
“For any country, the flag is a very important symbol. This is not a trivial matter, let the legal process take its course,” he said, Bernama reported.
Sin Chew Daily had issued an apology in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese over an error in their front-page illustration.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has completed its investigation into the alleged flag error published on the Facebook page of Kwong Wah Yit Poh and the front page of Sin Chew Daily.
He said the investigation papers would be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor for further action, adding that in the case of the newspaper print version, the matter is being investigated by the Home Ministry and police.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said police have recorded statements from 42 witnesses.
A spokesman from the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) raised concerns over the arrest of the two Sin Chew Daily editors, when the matter had been addressed swiftly by the newspaper.
