A heavier punishment should be imposed against those who deliberately fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down and insult the national coat-of arms, said Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.

Citing Thailand, which he said, imposed severe punishments on those who insult the country, including the king, such a stern action would be a lesson to deter others from doing the same mistake.

“Those who fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down and insult the national coat-of-arms should be arrested, and if possible, stern action taken against them because in other countries, it is rare for people to insult the national flag and the coat of arm, as well as the king,” he told reporters after opening the “Merdeka@Komuniti” and “Ziarah Kasih Merdeka” programme here.

Also present were Rantau State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Negeri Sembilan Information director Shahnon Mohamad.

Zahidi said imposing heavy punishment on such offenders would be a lesson to others.

“We do not want to have people in the country trying to create disharmony...if they are not happy over something, don’t take it on the national flag or the coat of arms,” he added.

However, he said the ministry will continue to step up efforts to make the people understand why they have to respect the national flag and the coat of arms, which are the symbols of the country.

“The Ministry will continue with the fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign,” he added.

On today’s programme, Zahidi said although the country was under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), it should not be used as an excuse to not enliven the National Month celebration.

"This year’s celebration is according to the new normal and we do not want the Merdeka celebration this time around to be less lively or less enthusiastic. So we try our best to ensure that the people understand and practice the principles of Rukun Negara and ignite the patriotic spirit," he added.

The Merdeka @ Komuniti programme is organised by the Information Department and is aimed at igniting the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.

The programme today drew the participation of 250 people from all walks of life and ages. The activities included hoisting the national flag, Merdeka Info On Wheels (IOW) and patriotic song singing contest.

-- BERNAMA