SINGAPORE: The latest incident of China flags displayed at a cultural event in Johor was a “misunderstanding” and not intended to “fuel racial hate or pro-China sentiments”, its organiser said on Thursday ( Jan 23 ).
The tragedy in Muar, which followed similar incidents in Tangkak and Perak, sparked outrage among locals.
But experts told CNA that foreign flags flown as a” symbol of friendship and solidarity” or as a “celebration of cultural exchange” should not be politicised.
A dragon puppet with China’s flags hanging from its left flank was featured in the procession in the Muar last Saturday ( Jan 18 ). The dragon’s image and video went viral, leading to calls from users for action from Malay king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and his brother, Johor regent Tunku Ismail.  ,  ,
Under the National Emblems ( Control of Display ) Act 1949, the offence of displaying a foreign flag is punishable by up to six months ‘ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM1, 000 or both.
Dr Lim Teck Guan, president of the Muar Tiong Hua Association, which organised the event, told CNA the police probe has been” settled” with no charges brought that he is aware of.
We borrowed the lion puppet from our own association users in Melaka, and we did not realize there would be Chinese flags on the side, Lim claimed to be unaware.  ,
Participants in the march were all Malaysians and part of the organization, Lim added.  ,
His group has no affiliation with China. ” We do not encourage pro-China thoughts nor are we pro-China”, Lim stressed.
The historical procession was part of the institution’s 20th anniversary celebrations and even featured cat dance performances. According to Muar city police chief Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz on January 19, the procession made its way through some major highways.
The lion puppet, said to be the longest in Malaysia, had the Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia’s national symbol, on its right side and colors of China on its returned, Raiz said.
NO ISSUE IF PURPOSE IS FRIENDSHIP AND SOLIDARITY, EXPERTS SAY
In recent months, another displays of the Foreign symbol have caught the attention of the public.
Last month, authorities in Tangkak, Johor investigated the use of a jet copy featuring China’s symbol at a festival.  ,