The controversy over an incomplete Jalur Gemilang in Terengganu is gaining momentum after UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh called on Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to instruct the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) to prove that the incident was indeed a technical error.
Akmal urged Ahmad Samsuri to produce evidence showing that the missing crescent and star symbols had originally been sewn onto the flag before coming loose.
“Jalur Gemilang is our dignity”
A video showing a Jalur Gemilang displayed at Dataran Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, apparently missing its crescent and star, recently went viral, triggering widespread concern and outrage among the public.
However, Ahmad Samsuri later explained that the incident was unintentional and resulted from a technical fault. MBKT Mayor Lizan Che Mat added that the crescent and star had been sewn onto the flag initially, but were allegedly torn off by strong coastal winds. The damaged flag has since been replaced.
“If there are stitching marks, then the public can see which side is telling the truth and which is not,” Akmal said in a video posted on Monday night (10 August).
He added that if there are no visible signs of stitching, the Menteri Besar should take firm action against those who put up the flag, provided they knew it was already missing its crescent and star when hoisted.
“When it comes to the sovereignty of our flag, let’s not joke about it. My principles on our national flag remain unchanged,” Akmal said.
He also referenced an incident in Penang last year, where a trader briefly displayed the Jalur Gemilang upside down. At the time, Akmal maintained that the act was deliberate, despite the trader claiming it was an honest mistake.
However, in the comments section of Akmal’s post regarding the Terengganu incident, many netizens mocked his ‘soft’ and ‘polite’ tone in reprimanding the state authorities, pointing out that it was a far cry from the fierce stance he took during the Penang incident.
Stay tuned to WORLD OF BUZZ as we keep you updated.
Also read: Penang Hardware Store Owner Waves Upside-Down Jalur Gemilang, Claims He Didn’t Notice
