Kuala lumpur: Malaysians are urged to exercise greater care and always refer to the proper guidelines when installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang emphasized that the Jalur Gemilang is a symbol of national sovereignty, dignity, and unity that all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, must respect.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aaron highlighted that the national flag carries the identity, history, and pride of Malaysia as an independent and sovereign country. He encouraged citizens not to be afraid to fly the Jalur Gemilang but to always be aware of the proper guidelines and check them before displaying it. Aaron shared this message in a recent Facebook post, underscoring the importance of respecting the national emblem.
Aaron stated that the National Unity Ministry, through the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) and Rukun Negara Secretariat, would intensify efforts to raise public awareness about the correct procedures for installing and displaying the Jalur Gemilang. This approach aims to prevent mistakes from recurring and to foster a greater understanding and instill a spirit of patriotism, especially among the younger generation.
He stressed that unintentional mistakes should be addressed through education and awareness, while deliberate acts of insulting or belittling the national emblem should be dealt with according to the law. Aaron also mentioned that the same principle should apply to the use of the Jalur Gemilang on social media, including content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Aaron cautioned that the widespread use of AI technology could sometimes result in inaccurate images of the Jalur Gemilang, such as mistakes in the number of stripes, color arrangement, or the flag's position. He emphasized the responsibility of every user to check the accuracy of content before publishing or sharing it, asserting that technology should foster patriotism rather than excuse incorrect displays of the national emblem.
He also reminded the public that acts such as flying the Jalur Gemilang upside down are subject to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, under which offenders could face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Aaron concluded by stating that respect for the Jalur Gemilang is a shared responsibility and urged Malaysians to uphold it as a symbol of unity while educating the next generation to love, respect, and defend the dignity of the country.