COLONIAL FLAG
KUCHING: The state’s colonial flags that are flying at a shop building in Padungan here were not placed by the premises owners, clarified Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
“The flags were put up at the premises by a group of people,” said Wee when asked to comment on the state’s old colonial flags flown in Padungan area.
Wee said this when met by reporters after officiating at the Merdeka@Komuniti Kuching programme held at MBKS Auditorium here yesterday.
He opined that the right way to show patriotism was to fly the current Sarawak flag.
“I try not to interfere on this issue, but for me, the right thing to do is to fly our Sarawak flag and the Jalur Gemilang.
“Of course other people have their own beliefs and we respect their opinion.
“But as far as the council is concerned, those old flags flying at Padungan were not put up by the shop owners and tenants.
“If we take it down, there will be an issue coming up and people will start to talk about it. So, we leave this to the shop owners and tenants to decide, whether they want to take it down, or to replace it.
“In fact, the council will supply the flags free-of-charge,” he said.
For Wee, regardless of different political beliefs, preserving unity is most important.
“Let’s unite together to fight Covid-19. Don’t create any more unnecessary tension among our harmonious society here.
“There is a limit to everything, even publicity. Do not go overboard with some issues. We should appreciate what we have today, let’s maintain it that way,” he added.
