13-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A seemingly innocuous display of international camaraderie has sparked a heated debate among Singaporeans, raising questions about the legality and appropriateness of flying foreign flags in residential areas. The controversy centres around a video posted on the popular social media platform TikTok, which shows the flags of Singapore and Malaysia hanging side by side outside a ground-floor flat in an undisclosed Housing and Development Board (HDB) block.
The video, shared by the account “The SG Daily” on Saturday, has rapidly gained traction, amassing over 100,000 views by Monday. The sight of the two neighbouring countries’ flags displayed together has elicited a mixed response from netizens, with some praising it as a heartwarming gesture of solidarity, while others have expressed concern over potential legal implications.
Critics of the display have been quick to point out that the act may contravene Singapore’s National Emblems (Control of Display) Act. This legislation stipulates that publicly displaying any flag or national emblem not belonging to Singapore is considered an offence. Violators of this law could face severe penalties, including a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
One concerned netizen commented, “Malaysia’s flag can only be displayed at High Commissions and Embassies. The average Singaporean citizen cannot casually hang flags of other countries at their homes.” Another added, “If someone in Malaysia hangs the Singapore flag at their front door, they will likely face protests too.”
However, not all reactions have been negative. Many viewers have interpreted the gesture as a touching display of friendship between the two nations, which share close historical and cultural ties. Both countries celebrate their national days in August, leading some to view the dual flag display as a symbol of mutual respect and shared celebration.
“It looks beautiful. I personally take it as a sign of solidarity,” remarked one supportive netizen. Another chimed in, “We share a very close kinship, nothing wrong with hanging both flags.”
This incident bears similarities to a controversy that unfolded last year when a China flag was spotted on the balcony of a condominium in Bukit Batok, similarly drawing public attention and debate.
It’s worth noting that there are exceptions to the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act. These include displays by diplomatic representatives of foreign powers in Singapore, instances where the government has granted authorisation, and on ships and aircraft.
@thesgdaily Malaysia boleh ????#ndp #ndp2024 ♬ We Will Get There (Sing Singapore2002 Theme Song) – Sun Yan-Zi
