The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) has strongly condemned the actions of the Sabah Sarawak Keluar Malaysia (SSKM) Australia group for displaying the Jalur Gemilang upside down during a demonstration outside the Victoria Parliament Building in Melbourne.
According to Malaysia Gazette, MAPIM President Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said that insulting the national flag raises serious questions about the methods being used to voice political demands regarding Sabah and Sarawak’s position in the Federation of Malaysia.
“MAPIM stresses that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty, dignity, and identity that must be respected by every Malaysian, both at home and abroad. Political differences, dissatisfaction with government policies, or territorial rights claims should never be used as an excuse to disrespect the national symbol.” Azmi was quoted as saying.
MAPIM warns against portraying Malaya as a coloniser
Beyond the controversial flag display, Azmi also expressed to Malaysia Gazette concern over narratives portraying Malaya as a coloniser of Sabah and Sarawak, particularly if they are used to fuel hostility between people from both regions and those in Peninsular Malaysia.
While acknowledging that Malaysia’s formation deserves honest and in-depth historical discussion, he cautioned against manipulating history to spread hatred, prejudice or division among Malaysians who share the same citizenship and future.
He further stressed that historical claims should be examined based on documentary evidence rather than used to damage relationships between communities. The organisation also acknowledged that Sabah and Sarawak have their own distinct histories, identities, interests and positions in the formation of Malaysia.
MAPIM says Sabah & Sarawak’s rights must be taken seriously
Azmi maintained that the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the protection of constitutional rights, agreed autonomy and outstanding claims must continue receiving serious attention from the Federal Government.
He added that MAPIM does not support approaches that dismiss questions of rights and justice, stressing that legitimate demands should be pursued through evidence-based arguments, responsible negotiations and actions that can deliver meaningful solutions.
He also cautioned against accepting claims that Malaya colonised Sabah and Sarawak as a definitive historical conclusion without examining the relevant documents surrounding Malaysia’s formation, constitutional provisions and wider historical context.
“The question of implementing MA63 cannot be set aside simply because certain parties use provocative approaches.
“We must firmly defend the country’s dignity while remaining prepared to review every claim to rights fairly. These two principles do not contradict each other.” Azmi said.
SSKM Australia claims upside-down flag represents “political distress”
The demonstration in Melbourne took place on October 24, coinciding with United Nations (UN) Day.
In a press statement issued by SSKM (Australia) President Ray Chalmer Jefferson on Facebook, the group defended the controversial display, claiming that holding the Jalur Gemilang upside down was intended as a visual call for international attention toward the historical status of Sabah and Sarawak.
“The upside-down Malaysia flag represents our political distress over unanswered questions regarding the formation of Malaysia and the position of Sabah and Sarawak,” Jefferson claimed. “On this UN Day, we call on the international community to hear the voices of the people of Sabah and Sarawak.”
The group added that they are calling for independent research into the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the public release of historical records, and a peaceful referendum process.
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