‘Umno should look at its own flag’

Political activists believe the new law won't intimidate people but will instead stoke their curiosity about the historical background of Sang Saka.

PETALING JAYA: Social activist Hishamuddin Rais and student activist Adam Adli have sarcastically welcomed the new Bill to amend the Penal Code to bar the use of any flag other than the Jalur Gemilang.

Under the new Section of 121E whoever uses, recognises or promotes the use of any flag that purports to represent Malaysia will face a jail term of between five to 15 years. The offender will also be liable to a fine.

Speaking to FMT, Hishamuddin said that the amendment to the law is a good sign as more ordinary citizen will start to look back into their history books on events before independence.

“This is good. People will start reading history books and eventually they will find out that Sang Saka has been part of our history for centuries.

“People will then realize that Sang Saka is not a new issue or a new flag, it was created long before independence,” he said

Hishamuddin added that he was sure many members of the younger generation were no longer afraid of any kind of intimidation imposed by government.

“It is time for the youth to rise. With the rapid development of the internet all is accessible. The youth is taking charge of the world today.

“However, I do not understand why Umno is so afraid of this flag. They should take a look at their own flag. Their flag is the Sang Saka flag.

“Indonesia, Singapore, and PBB from Sarawak and even PAS once used the flag,” Hishamuddin said.

Hishamuddin said that he is not devaluing the Jalur Gemilang but the veteran activist questioned the historical background of the national flag.

“The flag (Jalur Gemilang) which was chosen as our ‘national’ flag comes from a drawing competition. Look it up on the internet.

“There is no historical storyline about our flag, but Sang Saka or Bendera Rakyat has it own history and it is our history,” he said.

Move politically motivated
Meanwhile, Adam Adli said that Malaysia is currently a laughing stock for the world for tabling the new Bill in the parliament.

He added that the move is politically motivated to ensure that the ruling party can retain its power by stirring the fear amongst the people.

“If last time the government was afraid of water bottles and salt, today they are afraid of a piece of flag.

“We are now becoming a laughing stock for the rest of the world,” said Adam.

He accused the government of trying to stop ordinary Malaysians from thinking or having other opinions. This he declared as totally “undemocratic.”

“The government is stopping the people from thinking and having different views. That is impossible and undemocratic.

“The fact is Sang Saka was there long before the creation of Malaysia and Jalur Gemilang,” he said.

The Penang-born student said the tabling of the new law was a bonus for more student activists to ‘challenge’ the government.

“I believe youth especially those calling for the Sang Saka to be recognized will be more excited.

“They are the ones who firstly brought up the issue of Sang Saka and I guess it is a bonus for their struggle.

“Honestly I am not sacred or intimidated. I don’t think it will work,” he said when asked about his feelings about the strict law.