China flag seen in viral video part of a cultural festival, say Seremban cops

SEREMBAN: The national flag of China seen during a procession here on Saturday (Oct 14) was carried by a citizen from the republic taking part in an international festival, police clarified.

Seremban police chief Asst Comm Arifai Tarawe said the flag was seen during the International Guan Gong Cultural Festival which saw the participation of representatives from several countries.

“The Seremban City Council approved the event and we were also told about the procession.

“In fact, there were flags carried by nationals from other countries participating in the festival, such as Thailand and Vietnam,” he said here on Monday (Oct 16).

He said this after a clip showing an individual carrying the Chinese flag during a procession here went viral on social media.

ACP Arifai also said police have not received any report on the matter.

“However, I wish to advise the people not to touch on 3R (race, religion, royalty) issues,” he said.

State tourism, arts and culture committee chairman Nicole Tan said the clips with racial undertones were being circulated by irresponsible individuals.

“Several clips and photographs of the procession have been making the rounds on social media and some have asked the police to probe the matter.

“This should not be made an issue since, during the Olympic Games (for example), the Jalur Gemilang will be carried (by the Malaysian contingent) in (another country’s) stadium,” she said.

Tan added that the festival was an annual event in the state and a tourist attraction.

“In fact, we also had participants from other states taking part,” she added.