PETALING JAYA: Let the authorities investigate errors involving the Jalur Gemilang before turning them into an issue, says former minister Rafizi Ramli.
Rafizi said there are many possible reasons a flag might be flown upside down, including an honest mistake.
“Most people would not even dare to do it on purpose as they are afraid of the Umno Youth chief, who may bring a whole gang to stage a protest.
“So, let investigations be carried out by the authorities for each case to determine whether it was intentional or a mistake,” he said in a video on social media.
Rafizi also noted that there are provisions to press charges if such acts are believed to be intentional.
“Let it go to court and let the court decide whether the accused really meant it or not.
“If an investigation from the start shows it was an unintentional mistake, then there’s no need to turn it into an issue.
“Because if I were a citizen - especially a non-Malay - who put up a flag to show love for my country only to end up being targeted by Umno Youth? I would think twice before doing it again,” he said.
On Aug 9, a 59-year-old hardware shop owner in Kepala Batas, Penang, was investigated after the national flag was found hanging upside down outside his shop.
The shop owner said it was an unintentional mistake made while measuring a flagpole, which he corrected shortly after.
Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh had announced plans to stage a protest at the shop, but the gathering did not take place after police were stationed in the area and advised against it.
Rafizi, who was also a former PKR deputy president, reminded young politicians to know their limits.
“Our value lies in the knowledge and vision we bring to improve society. While you’re young, maybe you can make a name for yourself with socks, flags, shoes, slippers and hats.
“But when you’re older, people will laugh at you when they see you as the ‘sock, flag, shoe, slipper and hat’ politician. So, know your limits,” he said.
He also reminded Umno Youth that there was once a time when they proudly raised a keris at their assemblies.
“It was that keris that people remember, and it became one of the reasons Umno was rejected by part of the people,” he said.
