THE upside-down flag controversy should not overshadow the intention behind raising the flag this National and Sabah Day, said Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun as he encouraged Sabahans to do so this month.
He made the remarks following recent incidents in Peninsular Malaysia where upside-down Jalur Gemilang displays sparked outrage and legal threats.
“Humans are not perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes. I think we should overlook that little mistake and look at the bigger picture. Intention should matter more than error,” Masidi told reporters after announcing the state’s plans for the Sabah Day and National Day celebrations in Kota Kinabalu.
Masidi is chairman of the state-level celebrations, which will be held on August 31.
Sabahans took note of the recent upside-down flag incidents in the peninsula, which drew backlash and criticism.
One senior citizen was faulted for failing to “respect each other's feelings,” despite claims it was an honest mistake.
Masidi said there was no need to turn such errors into a major issue if they were genuine.
“…We should just say, teach them how to raise the flag nicely. But we should not make a big deal of something that is a genuine mistake,” he said.
He noted that even in the United States, after more than 200 years of independence, mistakes still happen, let alone in Sabah, which attained its independence in just over 60 years.
“It is human nature. Sometimes we just make genuine mistakes,” he added.
Masidi observed that smaller towns and rural communities are often more enthusiastic than urban centres, where patriotism is more visible through households displaying the flag.
Towards this end, he said patriotism must come from within, not from fear or compulsion.
“I hope that we in Malaysia have the same spirit. I know the country is not perfect, the state is not perfect, our own attitude makes who and what we are. Keep on raising your flag. Once in 365 days, give it to your country, give it to your state. Just one day out of 365 days. Do it,” he said.
Several upside-down Jalur Gemilang incidents have also drawn legal action and criticism in recent weeks.
A dental clinic in Johor was shut for 30 days, while in Penang a hardware store owner was arrested before insisting it was an honest mistake.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed six cases are under investigation, as some groups demanded harsher penalties for what they see as disrespect towards the national symbol.
Others, however, argued such errors are often unintentional and should be met with education rather than outrage.
Aside from the national day parade in the morning, Sabah will also hold its Sabah Day festivities at night in Kota Kinabalu.
Activities include prayers, a Defence Ministry convoy, and performances at Padang Merdeka, with 31 organisations and around 58 scooters expected to join the parade.
Approximately 50,000 people are expected to attend the two celebrations.
Masidi also reminded the public of Sabah’s history, stressing that the state’s independence was inseparable from the formation of Malaysia.
“Many people don’t understand that Sabah achieved independence on August 31, 1963.
“During the discussions on Malaysian development, we planned for Sabah’s independence to fall on the same day, because in order to create this country, Sabah needed independence, first,” he said.
He described Sabah’s role as one of equal partnership.
“Sabah is a reminder that Malaysia is a place of partnership, Sabah, Sarawak, Malaysia, and Singapore. Sabah is not like other countries.” - August 23, 2025
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