3-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) A resident of Terengganu, Harma Zulfika Deraman, has been sentenced to six months in prison and fined RM500 for displaying the Israeli flag. The case came to light in October when police began investigating a businessman accused of raising the Israeli flag at a shophouse in Marang, Terengganu.
According to recent reports, Harma Zulfika Deraman pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read before Magistrate Zur Azureen Zainalkefli at the Marang Magistrates’ Court. Harma was charged under the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 for displaying the Israeli flag in a public place. The alleged incident took place at a vehicle accessory shop in Kampung Padang Lebam, Bukit Payung, on October 19.
Section 3(1) of the Act explicitly states that “no person shall display in public, or at, or within any school, any national emblem.” The offence is punishable under Section 8(1)(i) of the same law, allowing for a maximum sentence of six months in prison, a fine of up to RM500, or both upon conviction.
It is worth noting that the six-month sentence will take effect after Harma completes a five-year prison term for a previous drug offence. The case highlights the legal consequences of displaying certain symbols in public spaces in Malaysia, particularly those associated with contentious geopolitical issues.
