KUALA LUMPUR: With a recent spike in viral cases of upside-down Jalur Gemilang, an opposition MP has suggested the government amend Malaysia’s Constitution to allow criminal charges against anyone who disrespects the national flag.
Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau) said the government should follow the example of US President Donald Trump, who made it a criminal offence to burn US flags during protests.
He said many lesser-known cases of upside-down Jalur Gemilang usually occur at popular tourist hotspots.
"Many offenders are foreigners who damage the Jalur Gemilang or our property but are simply sent home as punishment,” said Shahidan.
He added that the government must act against these offenders, saying that those who commit offences in Malaysia should be punished in Malaysia.
“We should follow Donald Trump’s example, except in the case of Palestine," he said during a Special Chamber session at Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 27).
In response, Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy said Malaysia’s existing laws to punish those who disrespect the Jalur Gemilang are already sufficient, as serious cases can be charged as sedition.
However, she said any punishment must be fair and considered case by case, taking into account whether the flag desecration was intentional and the severity of the act.
"Serious action must only be taken against those found to have clearly intended to disrespect our national flag," she said.
On Monday (Aug 25), Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against anyone who burned American flags during protests.
