Sang Saka-flying act prompted Penal Code change

PARLIAMENT Among the reasons for the government amending the Penal Code to jail those who insult the national flag Jalur Gemilangwas the flying of the leftist Sang Saka Malaya flag during a Merdeka eve event in August.

Tabling the second reading of the amendment Bill, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri said the incident was "very sad" as the act could not be punished under the existing Penal Code.

"On Merdeka eve, a group of people flew the Sang Saka and claimed that this was the Malaysian flag. The nation's dignity was insulted but no action can be taken because there is no legal provision for this. It was very sad," Nancy said.

Proposed sections state that the maximum penalty for trampling on the Jalur Gemilang or flying another flag other than the Jalur Gemilang to represent Malaysia is jail term of no less than five years and not more than 15 years.

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