.
A government’s bill to amend the Penal Code is seeking to bar the use and promotion of any flag that purports to represent Malaysia other than the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags.
The bill seems to target the Sang Saka Malaya, a flag designed by the left-wing politicians in 1940s and has recently returned to public spotlight after it was used by social activists Adam Adli and Hishamuddin Rais on Merdeka day.
Under a new Section 121E of the bill, whoever uses, recognises or promotes the use any flag that purports to represent Malaysia will face jail punishment between 5 and 15 years, and shall also be liable to fine.
The same section also seeks to introduce stiffer penalty for those who destroy, deface or tramples on the Jalur Gemilang.
The penalty meted out to this offence is the same as those who fly other unrecognised Malaysian flag.
Stiffer penalty on domestic violence
Stiffer penalty on domestic violence
The bill also proposes harsher penalty for those who committed canal intercourse offence against the will of another person under the controversial Section 377.
A jail term of not less than 5 years and not more than 30 years is proposed, up from the existing 20 years jail term.
An additional Section 375B of the bill seeks to increase the penalty on gang rape offender from the current maximum 20 years jail term to 30 years.
In order to curb domestic violence, two new sections were mooted to mete out stiffer punishments for individuals who hurt their spouse.
FMT
