KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are urged to exercise greater care and always refer to the proper guidelines when installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Jalur Gemilang was a symbol of national sovereignty, dignity and unity that all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, must respect.
"The national flag carries our identity, history and pride as an independent and sovereign country. Do not be afraid to fly the Jalur Gemilang but always be aware of the proper guidelines and check them before displaying it," he said in a Facebook post today.
Aaron said the National Unity Ministry, through the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) and Rukun Negara Secretariat, would step up efforts to raise public awareness of the correct procedures for installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang.
According to him, the approach was aimed not only at preventing similar mistakes from recurring, but also at fostering greater understanding and instilling a spirit of patriotism, especially among the younger generation.
Aaron said unintentional mistakes should be addressed through education and awareness, while deliberate acts of insulting or belittling the national emblem should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He said the same principle should also apply to the use of the Jalur Gemilang on social media, including content generated by artificial intelligence.
Aaron said AI use could sometimes result in inaccurate images of the Jalur Gemilang, including mistakes in the number of stripes, colour arrangement or the flag's position.
"Therefore, every user has a responsibility to check the accuracy of content before publishing or sharing it. Technology should help instil patriotism, not be an excuse for us to ignore the correct display of the national emblem," he said.
Aaron said acts such as flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down were subject to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, under which offenders could face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
"Respect for the Jalur Gemilang is a shared responsibility. Let us uphold it as a symbol of unity and educate the next generation to love, respect and defend the dignity of the country," he said. – Bernama
