KUALA LUMPUR – Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has suggested that participants from China at the International Guan Gong Culture Festival may have raised their national flag to express support and enthusiasm for the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Tiong highlighted that, in the past, flags from various countries were prominently displayed at certain events without inciting criticism.
“This raises the question: why are critics showing selective or ‘double standards’ in this instance?” Tiong stated.
He further noted that events in neighbouring countries, featuring an international audience, routinely display their national flags without controversy.
“A similar example is when our national athletes compete abroad and proudly raise the Malaysian flag upon victory. Would this be an issue?” he added.
Tiong mentioned that police are currently investigating 17 Chinese nationals involved in the event, urging authorities to manage the case with transparency and fairness.
He emphasised that if the procession lacked the necessary permit, responsibility should lie with the organisers rather than the foreign participants.
“If the flag-bearers are not Malaysian citizens, then it should not be an issue,” Tiong asserted.
He cautioned that continued condemnation of the incident could deter foreign tourists from visiting Malaysia, ultimately harming the tourism sector.
In response to the International Guan Gong Culture Festival, several participants took part in the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang’ rally, held at Dataran Menara Condong in Teluk Intan.
In a statement today, Perak police announced that they would summon the organisers and participants from yesterday’s rally, as it was conducted without a permit.
According to Perak Police Chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris, Perak Pas state commissioner Razman Zakaria also attended the rally. – October 27, 2024