THE illustration of the national flag (Jalur Gemilang) without the crescent moon as published by Sin Chew Daily has become a hot issue that has led to the temporary suspension of its chief editor and deputy chief sub-editor.
There have even been calls for the suspension or termination of the local Chinese-language newspaper’s publishing licence. This issue, together with the existing racial and religious polemics, could lead to more recriminations among the various communities.
With increasing use presently of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated graphics and contents there is a need for meticulous oversight by the editorial staff so as not to land themselves in hot soup over controversial and sensitive issues.
The issue of the national flag needs to be looked deeper. While the Sin Chew Daily controversy is being debated—and hopefully an amicable solution can be reached—one needs to look at the etiquettes concerning the national flag.
National flags are much respected and honoured as they symbolise the nation and its people. Some nations have very strict national flag etiquettes.
However, in Malaysia the rules are not stringently enforced as one often see flags displayed for too long or flags that are torn and discoloured without being removed, and also how the flags are disposed.
In Malaysia, in addition to the national flag, all the states including the Federal Territories have their own flags. Malaysia is possibly the only country that has so many different state flags as most nations stick to one flag.
There is also some confusion as to displaying both the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag together. Strictly speaking the Jalur Gemilang should be displayed for national celebrations such as Merdeka and Malaysia Day.
The Jalur Gemilang is usually displayed for a month starting from a few days before Merdeka and a week after Malaysia Day. The state flags too are normally displayed a week before and after the state celebration mainly the governors or ruler’s birthday.
In Selangor one often see both the national flag and the state flag side by side during the Selangor Sultan’s birthday. For a state centred occasion it will be more apt to fly the state flag alone as it focuses on the state celebration.
To outsiders especially tourists it may appear confusing. The government authorities need to clear the confusion with a definite official statement. Additionally, the issue of flags being displayed for too long to the point that it becomes discoloured, torn and tattered also needs to be looked into as it is disrespectful to display a tattered flag.
Malaysians take great pride in the Jalur Gemilang and many citizens and patriots take pride in their creativity in displaying the flags during the Merdeka and Malaysia Day period.
At times when the people are angry or displeased with the government, for whatever reasons, they show less enthusiasm to display the Jalur Gemilang in their homes, industrial and commercial premises.
One can assess the popularity of the government by generally noting the number of flags displayed! This line of thinking is wrong as the flag represents the nation, not the government.
Governments will be voted in and out but the nation has a continued existence. That said, there should be more flag-raising ceremonies during the Merdeka and Malaysia Day period at the local government level especially in housing estates, new villages and kampungs, houses of worship and others to instil pride and loyalty to the country. – April 22, 2025
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Pipeline Journal
