IPOH: Perak MCA has expressed its deepest regret and apologised to the Sultan of Perak and all Malaysians after the Jalur Gemilang and the Perak state flag were mistakenly flown upside down at its headquarters here.
Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the party took full responsibility for the unintentional error, which occurred as the party was preparing to mark National Month.
“We deeply regret that this happened, particularly at a time when Malaysians are preparing to celebrate National Day.
“We understand the sensitivity and significance of both the Jalur Gemilang and the Perak state flag, and sincerely apologise for the hurt and concern caused,” he said yesterday.
Dr Mah, who is also MCA deputy president, said the party has the utmost respect for Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag.
The flags were taken down immediately after the mistake was noticed and later flown correctly.
Dr Mah said the incident involved an elderly staff member at the Perak MCA headquarters who had been tasked with putting up the flags in conjunction with National Month.
He said the staff member had expressed deep regret and voluntarily offered to resign.
Perak MCA accepted the resignation out of respect for the individual’s personal decision, he added.
Dr Mah said Perak MCA will also review its procedures for the installation and display of national and state flags to ensure such an incident would not recur.
“All flag installations at our premises will be properly checked to ensure they are displayed correctly,” he said.
Officers from the Ipoh police station visited the Perak MCA headquarters at about 1pm yesterday to record statements from the staff members and administrative officers.
Dr Mah said the party had given its full cooperation in the police investigation and will continue to do so.
