The Star: Anger over burning of Jalur Gemilang

Tuesday September 11, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR: Two state Umno information chiefs have hit out at those who burnt the Jalur Gemilang during the riot in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday night.

Terengganu Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said that such acts reflected total disrespect to the nation’s 50 years of Independence.
“I am shocked and sad over what happened especially, when there are reports of destruction to public property,” he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
Kelantan Umno information chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Che Ahmad echoed Ahmad Shabery’s sentiments.
“I condemn the Opposition’s tutelage of young minds, which had led to the burning of the national flag,” he added.
Marang MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar expressed his disgust on the torching of the Jalur Gemilang.
“They (rioters) should not be forgiven,” he said.
The riot in Kuala Terengganu was raised in Parliament yesterday.
Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang said the incident had marred the “feel good” effect of the 2008 Budget as well as the 50th Merdeka celebration.
He questioned why a peaceful political gathering held by Bersih, a coalition of political parties and non-governmental organisations, had turned into a confrontation between the police and the crowd.
“There should be a public inquiry into the incident,” he added.
Terengganu Umno Youth information chief Razali Idris has lodged a police report against rioters who torched the Jalur Gemilang.
More than a dozen Jalur Gemilang and Umno flags, and Barisan Nasional banners, were burned during the riot.
MCA Youth chief Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said those involved in the riot should not have taken the law into their own hands.
In Putrajaya, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the clash showed that the Opposition was resorting to cheap publicity.
“This is their way of attracting the people’s attention now and to get their support,” he said.