The Ministry of Education (MOE) will take stern action once it receives the complete investigation report into the incident where the Jalur Gemilang was flown upside down at SJKC Chung Hua in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the incident was a serious one, especially during National Month, and all institutions have been reminded repeatedly about the respect due to national symbols.
“This should never have happened. Once the full report reaches us, appropriate action will be taken,” she told reporters in Kelantan after handing out schooling aid.
SJKC Chung Hua later issued a public apology, explaining that the upside-down flag was due to an unintentional mistake by a school worker on Aug 1. The board, PTA, and school leadership jointly expressed regret.
Fadhlina added that such offences could undermine the patriotic spirit and would not be taken lightly.
Commenting on the death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir, who was found unconscious in a drain near her school dorm in Papar on July 16 and later died in hospital, Fadhlina assured that MOE is prioritising the case.
She stressed that no one would be shielded and all decisions would be based on the investigation.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also stated the case must be investigated thoroughly, revealing that 60 individuals have been called in so far.
