Malaysia’s Independence Day is just right around the corner, but the Merdeka spirit has been dismal.
Just four days ago, on August 18, 2022, a man was filmed cutting up Jalur Gemilang flags at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Today, another man was spotted in Brickfields defaming the national flag.
According to a Facebook post by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the DBKL Enforcement Department has yet again arrested a man for vandalising Jalur Gemilang flags put up by the authorities.
The suspect can be seen standing and reaching over the railings of a pedestrian bridge to cut up the Jalur Gemilang flag.
“It’s a strange sight. Why did the Jalur Gemilang become the target?” the post reads.
The suspect has been handed over to the police for further action.
Netizens have mixed reactions
In the comments, netizens have differing thoughts about the suspect’s disrespect towards the national flag.
First, some were angry at the man and called for his citizenship to be revoked.
“If you don’t respect our country’s flag, please leave Malaysia. Go settle in a country that you admire.”
“If he’s Malaysian, strip him of his citizenship and give him a life sentence. He is traitorous.”
Meanwhile, some netizens were more preoccupied with speculating about the suspect’s motivations.
They suspected the man could have been paid to damage the flags as it did not seem to be a coincidence that this had happened before.
“This feels like it was done on purpose. There was already another similar incident the other day. Hopefully, the authorities can find out who the real mastermind is (if there was one).”
“Maybe they were hired by a certain party to cause provocations.”
Finally, some netizens pointed out how the suspect could have had mental health issues or that he intentionally sought to be arrested to get free food while in prison.
“It seems intentional. He wants to go in (to prison) so that he’ll get to eat for free.”
“He seems like he’s homeless or has mental health issues.”
It is indeed sad to see such unpatriotic sentiments when we are supposed to be coming together to celebrate our 64th year of independence.Â
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