'Would you shut down a bank?': Ex-S'gor exco slams 'more ruthless than tiger' response to flag blunder
Published: Aug 18, 2026 3:39 PM
Updated: 7:36 PM
Former Selangor exco Teng Chang Khim criticised the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) for temporarily shutting down a factory after the Jalur Gemilang and Johor flag were found displayed upside down, calling the move excessive.
He questioned whether the council would impose the same penalty on a bank or government office for a similar mistake.
“You don’t just shut down a business operation at will. If a bank makes a mistake, are you going to shut down the bank?
“If a government office makes a mistake, are you going to shut down the government office?” Teng (above) asked in a Facebook post.
The former DAP assemblyperson, who now chairs SME Corporation Malaysia, an agency under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, also turned to a striking analogy to drive home his point, saying the state government “should not be more ruthless than a tiger.”
Instead, he said the factory should have been fined if it was found to have been in the wrong, with further action taken if it continued to defy the authorities.
The factory shuttered over the flag blunder
“… The punishment should not be excessive to the point of crippling a business. A fine of RM200, RM500, or RM1,000 would be sufficient.
“I challenge MPKu to state which provision of its by-laws gives it the authority to shut down a business operation for incorrectly displaying a flag,” he added.
Teng berates ‘muted’ BN
Teng also turned the heat on BN, especially MCA, claiming that certain quarters had turned to DAP for assistance after the factory was closed.
“… Some people called on DAP to resolve it, forgetting that BN and MCA won big in the recent state election.
“They manage the state and municipal governments. Why are they keeping quiet and becoming the ‘silent party’?” he asked.
Yesterday, Johor housing and local government committee chairperson Jafni Shukor said MPKu’s action was taken under the Licensing of Trades, Businesses and Industries By-Laws 2019, including By-law 49(2), which provides for the closure of premises, and By-law 45(1), which governs the flying of flags.
He said the incident could not simply be dismissed as a minor mistake or left without action.
“I challenge MPKu to state which provision of its by-laws gives it the authority to shut down a business operation for incorrectly displaying a flag,” he added.
Teng berates ‘muted’ BN
Teng also turned the heat on BN, especially MCA, claiming that certain quarters had turned to DAP for assistance after the factory was closed.
“… Some people called on DAP to resolve it, forgetting that BN and MCA won big in the recent state election.
“They manage the state and municipal governments. Why are they keeping quiet and becoming the ‘silent party’?” he asked.
Yesterday, Johor housing and local government committee chairperson Jafni Shukor said MPKu’s action was taken under the Licensing of Trades, Businesses and Industries By-Laws 2019, including By-law 49(2), which provides for the closure of premises, and By-law 45(1), which governs the flying of flags.
He said the incident could not simply be dismissed as a minor mistake or left without action.
Johor housing and local government committee chairperson Jafni Shukor
Jafni added that the Kulai district officer was coordinating follow-up measures with MPKu and the relevant agencies to ensure appropriate action was taken under existing laws.
Police are also investigating the incident, while the company director is expected to be called in to provide a statement.
“If there is any breach of the law or applicable conditions, further action must be taken without fear or favour,” he said.
Jafni added that the Kulai district officer was coordinating follow-up measures with MPKu and the relevant agencies to ensure appropriate action was taken under existing laws.
Police are also investigating the incident, while the company director is expected to be called in to provide a statement.
“If there is any breach of the law or applicable conditions, further action must be taken without fear or favour,” he said.
Why hasn't the Terengganu flag incident guilty organisation faced ANY legal sanction at all ?
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