PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the recent publication of an incomplete Malaysian flag by a Chinese-language newspaper is "not a trivial matter," underscoring the importance of national symbols while calling for restraint and adherence to due process.
Speaking to Malaysian media at the conclusion of his official visit to Bangkok, Anwar said all parties must treat the national flag with the respect it deserves.
"In any nation, the national flag is an extremely important symbol. My advice is for everyone to be careful," he said.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Sin Chew Daily printed a front-page illustration of the Jalur Gemilang that was missing the crescent moon, prompting widespread criticism.
While the publication has since apologised and attributed the incident to an unintentional technical error, public and official scrutiny remains high.
Anwar acknowledged the newspaper’s response but cautioned against inflaming tensions.
"Let’s give room to Sin Chew Daily to explain its mistake and apologise. Nevertheless, this is not a trivial matter. Let the process of law run its course," he said.
Calling for measured responses, the prime minister urged the public not to escalate the matter unnecessarily.
"I would also like to ask that we do not go overboard. There is a legal process that must be followed," he added.
Police questioned 42 people
The incident is currently under police investigation, with 42 individuals, including the editor-in-chief of Sin Chew Daily, having been questioned. Authorities have invoked the Emblems and Names Act 1963 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 in the ongoing probe.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, confirmed that the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
"At this point, the investigation is still underway. We have questioned 42 witnesses, and we may call more individuals for questioning," he said in a press conference after the opening of the Country Homes Police Station in Selangor on Friday, which was officiated by the Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah.
The case is being investigated under Section 3(1)(c) of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, as well as Section 4(1)(b) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin, confirmed that the editor-in-chief and deputy editor of the Chinese-language newspaper were briefly detained to assist with the investigation, but both were released later that evening.
The controversy arose on Tuesday when the newspaper featured an illustration of the Malaysian flag on its front page in relation to the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia. However, the flag was shown without the crescent moon, which led to widespread criticism, including from the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim.
The Sultan advised that newspaper management and editorial teams should be more vigilant and review materials thoroughly before publication.
In response, the newspaper issued an apology, explaining that the incident was due to an unintentional technical error. – April 18, 2025
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