KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has agreed to take firm action against politicians accused of inciting public sentiment over the recent upside-down national flag incident in Penang, according to reports.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang told Malaysiakini that the matter was specifically raised during Friday’s Cabinet meeting.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other ministers were concerned that such actions could dampen the patriotic spirit ahead of Merdeka Day celebrations.
“As a result, the Cabinet has decided that stern measures will be taken against these irresponsible politicians. One individual was already called by the police yesterday to provide a statement and is now being investigated under three different laws. We will wait to see if charges will be filed,” Chang said during a speech in Klang.
Chang criticised those who politicised the incident, stressing that no one would deliberately hang the Jalur Gemilang upside down.
It was reported that Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh had his statement recorded at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters on Friday regarding the Kepala Batas assembly in Penang a day earlier.
His lawyer, Aizat Azam, said the Merlimau assemblyman fully cooperated and responded to some 80 questions posed by investigators. Dr Akmal is currently being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 506 of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
