Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) stated that the incident of waving China’s national flag during the Malaysia International Guan Gong Cultural Festival should not be overly interpreted or sensationalized as a malicious act, as such actions would only harm Malaysia-China relations.
MCAH President Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai pointed out that the President of the Malaysia Guan Gong Culture Promotion Centre, has clarified the situation that occurred during the procession at the Malaysia International Guan Gong Cultural Festival held in Teluk Intan, Perak. Representatives from China enthusiastically participated by waving China’s national flag while chanting “Long live Malaysia-China friendship,” demonstrating that there was no other intention behind the incident.
“It is evident that the situation has been misinterpreted by certain parties, which is regrettable. At the time, the Chinese delegation was chanting slogans such as ‘Long live Malaysia-China friendship’ and ‘Long live the 50-year friendship between Malaysia and China.’ What is the issue here? We should welcome Chinese tourists to Malaysia with a more inclusive and open-minded attitude.”
He emphasized that the relevant authorities, including the police, should be given appropriate space to understand the background and intent behind the flag-waving. The procession featured Malaysia’s national flag, state flags, and organizational flags at the forefront, and many participants waved flags from different countries, indicating that there was no targeted behavior.
“We should not overinterpret the situation. I condemn those who are trying to exploit this issue for political gain, as such actions are inappropriate.”
He further remarked that Malaysia-China relations have always been based on solid bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding. Economic and trade data, as well as frequent exchanges between the peoples of both countries, show that under the leadership of the Unity Government, Malaysia-China relations have reached new heights. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to visit China for the third time early next month, and we should work together to maintain this friendly relationship and prevent ill-intentioned individuals from causing disruption.
Moreover, he noted that while investigations should proceed according to procedure, it is fair for all parties. He called for a tolerant attitude toward the Malaysia Guan Gong Culture Promotion Centre, which has acknowledged or potentially violated the law and apologized, urging everyone not to overinterpret or exaggerate the incident.
Since June, the relevant parties have worked hard, traveling to nine countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to promote Malaysia’s cultural tourism, only to face such controversy.
He also refuted the malicious claims that there were no Malaysian or Perak state flags at the event, clarifying that the Malaysian flag, state flags, and the organization’s flag were indeed at the front of the procession.
He expressed gratitude to Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani for speaking on the matter, stressing that the organization is engaged in cultural promotion and tourism activities. This incident not only affects Malaysia but also attracts the attention of nine other countries, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and even the global cultural tourism community, with far-reaching implications.
MCAH also supports Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, noting that Malaysia has always prided itself on its multicultural inclusiveness. The extreme reactions from some quarters contradict the nation’s moderation philosophy and could give the international community the wrong impression that Malaysia is unwelcoming to foreign tourists participating in local cultural events.
MCAH hopes that during this period of economic stability and investment promotion, a small group of individuals should not be allowed to use political interests to undermine Malaysia’s positive international image. It urges them to prioritize the nation and work together to improve the economy for the well-being of the people.