2 July 2020

Press Statement by MCA Spokesperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan


Oversensitive for investigating the mockery of Jata Negara?




When DAP Socialist Youth deputy chief Chiong Yoke Kong lambasted the police investigation into the mockery of our Jata Negara (National Coat of Arms) and calling it an overreaction, he insulted us all and our country.

When Chiong labelled the government for suppressing art and freedom of expression for investigating, he inadvertently not only exposed himself as impertinent and shallow, but also exemplified once again how DAP Youth as a whole knows nothing about respecting our sovereignty and its symbol of dignity.

As specified by Act 414 Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) 1963, modifications and abuse of the Jata Negara are explicitly prohibited.  As such, the police investigation into the book cover of “Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope In New Malaysia” is legal and well-grounded. It is nothing like Chiong’s allegations of suppression of artistic creativity and freedom of expression; it would be best if Chiong would stop causing confusion to derive political mileage.

We urge Chiong and DAP Youth to properly scrutinise the law and comprehend the meaning of our national emblem before starting a tirade against our police force.

Our freedom to creativity and expression is enshrined within the Federal Constitution, however, it must be noted that there is not one country in the world that has not set any boundaries to said freedom; allowing their state to descend into anarchy.

If just about anybody could mock the Jata Negaraunder the guise of artistic freedom, how are we to maintain a dignified national front?

By whitewashing the insult on our coat of arms as “artistic creativity”, Chiong was as good as telling and inciting the people to accept the mockery of Jata Negara as art. What if someone mocked our national flag, anthem or even our King, is DAP Youth going to chalk all that as artistic expressions as well?

Conversely, DAP must make clear to all Malaysians, if they would condone the behaviours of DAP Youth at the expense of the dignity of Jata Negara?

Mike Chong Yew Chuan
MCA Spokesperson

 

-MCA Online-