29-10-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) What began as an international cultural festival in a Malaysian town has evolved into a complex political debate, with various parties weighing in on the appropriateness of foreign flag displays during public celebrations.
The International Guan Gong Cultural Festival, held in Teluk Intan, Perak, drew unexpected controversy after footage of Chinese nationals waving their country’s flag went viral on social media. The incident prompted a reactive gathering of approximately 300 local residents, who assembled in the town square to display Malaysian flags and sing patriotic songs.
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) vice-president Tan Teik Cheng has questioned the selective outrage, noting that the festival featured participants from multiple nations, including Thailand and Vietnam, whose flags were also displayed without attracting similar criticism.
A Chinese cultural festival in Teluk Intan, Perak has drew strong criticism from the Malaysian public as flags from China being used during the public parade.
Perak police which responded to the viralled video reportedly say the event has no police permit – reports/vidtitok pic.twitter.com/bgbni7oYHV
— Kuala Lumpur Reporter ???????? (@KL_Reporter) October 25, 2024
“The event hosted roughly 400 attendees, half of whom were international participants. It’s peculiar that only the Chinese flags have become a point of contention,” Tan remarked, suggesting political opportunism might be driving the controversy.
Festival organiser Soon Boon Hua has since apologised for the incident, explaining that the Chinese delegation’s flag display was not part of the official programme. The event, which took place near Teluk Intan’s iconic Leaning Tower, has sparked a wider political debate about cultural sensitivity and nationalism.
The controversy has drawn in multiple political figures, with Democratic Action Party (DAP) representatives confronting allegations from Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria regarding the event’s organisation. A police report has been filed regarding claims about official participation in the festival.
Melaka assembly deputy speaker Kerk Chee Yee highlighted similar international participation at a recent festival in Johor Bahru, questioning why the display of other national flags hadn’t triggered comparable concerns.
Local authorities reported receiving 16 public complaints about the unauthorised gathering that followed the initial incident. Police Chief Azizi Mat Ari expressed concern about the unsanctioned nature of the responsive demonstration.
