KUALA LUMPUR – The display of Palestinian flags during Malaysia’s recent patriotic events, including the National Day celebrations on August 31, has sparked significant controversy in the country, where support for the Palestinian cause is widespread.
The issue first gained attention on August 24, when Selangor football club fans raised a banner featuring the Palestinian flag, alongside an image of a Palestinian freedom fighter and Malaysian footballer Faisal Halim, during the national anthem before a football match. This act drew widespread criticism.
The controversy deepened when a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) showed a high-rise apartment block displaying the Malaysian flag, known as the Jalur Gemilang, side by side with the Palestinian flag on every floor. The post has garnered nearly three million views since August 30, with mixed responses from the public.
One user expressed concern, stating, “I’m a born and bred Malaysian and I love my Negaraku, Jalur Gemilang, and everything Malaysian. My dad and grandad were at Stadium Merdeka on 31/08/57. I’m not at all cool with another country’s flag being raised for OUR Merdeka alongside Our Jalur Gemilang!”
However, not all responses were negative. Some users supported the display, citing solidarity with Palestine as a reason. Dr. Khalil Hadi, a leader in the Malay Muslim party Parti Islam SeMalaysia, defended the act, stating that Malaysians resonate deeply with the Palestinian struggle due to their own history of colonialism.
The display of foreign flags, including the Palestinian flag, is technically illegal under the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, which requires a permit for such actions. This law has been enforced in the past, as seen in the case of Harma Zulfika Deraman, who was jailed and fined for flying the Israeli flag in November 2023.
Despite this, there have been no reports of enforcement against those displaying Palestinian flags during the National Day celebrations or other recent events.
Malaysia’s support for Palestine has intensified since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023. The Malaysian government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has been vocal in its condemnation of Israel and in its support for the Palestinian people. This has led to widespread boycotts of brands perceived to support Israel, and large rallies in support of Palestine.
The controversy over the Palestinian flag’s display during the FA Cup final on August 24 further highlighted the divide. A TikTok video showing the flag being raised in a manner similar to the Malaysian flag during the national anthem has been viewed nearly 300,000 times, with many questioning why the Palestinian flag was used instead of Malaysia’s.
Human rights lawyer and activist Siti Kasim condemned the act, stating in a Facebook post, “These people have no respect for our country and King! Some Malaysians have gone bonkers! Disgusting!”
The debate over the appropriateness of displaying foreign flags during national events continues to divide public opinion in Malaysia.