A few images currently circulating on X show a group of individuals posing with a foreign flag at Batu Caves, Selangor. Meanwhile, a video shows an individual posing with the same flag, which belongs to an Indian political party, near KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.
However, the dates of these incidents remain unknown, and the individuals’ nationalities were not mentioned.
The flag of a political party, made famous by an Indian actor
The flag belongs to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a political party established in February 2024 by renowned Tamil actor Vijay. The actor was recently in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, to meet with fans at an event called Thalapathy Thiruvizha.
Attended by over 85,000 people, the event served as a platform for Vijay to announce his retirement from the film industry to focus on his political career.
“It’s against Malaysian law to do so”
Social media users have pointed out that displaying foreign flags in public is illegal. In one X post, a user tagged the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), urging authorities to investigate.
Another user commented, “Your political party flag has no value in our country. It’s against Malaysian law to do so.”
The National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949
It’s worth noting that public display of foreign flags is against the law in Malaysia, as per the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949.
Under Section 3(1) of the Act, offenders may, upon conviction, face up to six months of jail time for putting up flags of other countries, aside from the Jalur Gemilang.
While there are specific exceptions for diplomatic staff or via ministerial permits, the instances depicted in the viral posts do not appear to meet these criteria
You can find out more about the legislation here.
What do you think of this matter?
Also read: “Congratulations!” – Politician Praises Malaysian Tamil Schools for Zero Jalur Gemilang Blunders
