PEKAN: The culprits involved in the production of a book cover which allegedly insulted the country's coat-of-arms, or 'Jata Negara', should face severe punishment.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said he was disappointed over the irresponsible action of the individuals who had allegedly ridiculed the 'Jata Negara' which is a symbol that is identical to the country's and government's official emblem.
"As a Malaysian, the individuals should be aware of their unpatriotic and irresponsible actions. It is rude behavior that we cannot compromise. The police will conduct a thorough investigation, and I hope those involved will be given a hefty punishment.
"There are certain ethics when using the national symbols including the 'Jata Negara'. The national emblem has to be used in full and when displayed it has to be on the top (not covered).....it is an insult to include someone's face to the emblem," he told reporters after visiting the Chini by-election media centre and hosted lunch with media representatives at Kampung Salong here today.
Saifuddin said he had contacted Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador) after learning about the incident on social media yesterday and was informed that the police had begun investigations.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin described the coat-of-arms as a national symbol similar to the Jalur Gemilang and it should not only be respected but also used in the correct way.
"In the past, during the war the national flag and Jata Negara will not be allowed to fall to the ground. Soldiers used to go into war until their last breath to defend the country and its flag...the national symbol should be given the highest respect," he said,
Saifuddin was commenting on a book, entitled "Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia", which allegedly mocked the 'Jata Negara'.
The book cover is said to feature an image which bears a striking resemblance to the country's coat-of-arms, and depicts a naked child and two tigers with human faces on either side, stepping on a crocodile.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said there were provisions in the law which clearly state that it was an offence for anyone to misuse, misinterpret and misrepresent any symbol that was identical or bears a resemblance to the country's and government's official insignia.