“It’s meant to be stepped on & burnt!” – Akmal Saleh Says Israeli Flag Doesn’t Deserve Respect

The Israeli flag is meant to be stepped on and burned in Malaysia, according to UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

Akmal stated that while flags generally symbolise respect for their respective nations, the Israeli flag should never be waved in Malaysia, not even for gimmick purposes. In his fiery statement today (12 October), Akmal emphasised that the Israeli flag does not deserve respect from Malaysians, especially considering the suffering endured by Palestinians due to the cruelty of the Israeli regime.

Gimmick or not, the Israeli flag should not be displayed here

Akmal’s reaction followed an incident involving a boat displaying the Israeli flag during the 500th Kelantan Solidarity Cruise for Gaza program last Friday on Sungai Kelantan.

Kelantan State Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that displaying any national symbol without approval, including the Israeli flag, is an offense, even if it was intended as a symbolic reenactment of the Zionist regime’s atrocities against the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission.

“We will investigate this case under Section 3(1) of the National Emblem (Control of Display) Act 1949,” Yusoff said, as reported by Utusan.

However, Akmal rejected the program organiser’s explanation that the flag was used as a gimmick. He insisted that the organiser should apologise and reiterated that the Israeli flag should never be respected due to the regime’s brutal actions.

A video showing the Israeli flag on the boat went viral on TikTok, sparking discomfort and heated debate among Malaysians.

Program Director Mohd Khairul Hafiz Hassan explained that the display was meant to highlight the violent actions of the Zionist army during its recent attack on GSF volunteers, as well as its ongoing cruelty toward Palestinians.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has advised all organisations planning performances or protests related to the Zionist regime’s atrocities to refrain from flying the Israeli flag, even if the intention is to condemn the regime.

Also read: Local Singer Who Joined GSF Urges Govt to Teach Palestinians’ Struggles in Malaysian School Syllabus