Flag Furore: Malaysian Flag Hung Outside HDB Flat Sparks Debate
A video circulating on social media has sparked a heated debate in Singapore after a Malaysian flag was spotted hanging beside a Singaporean flag outside a ground-floor HDB flat. The clip, posted on TikTok, has garnered over 100,000 views and has left many netizens questioning whether displaying another country’s flag outside one’s home is allowed.
While some have praised the act as a “show of solidarity” between neighboring countries, others have expressed outrage, calling it “disrespectful” and warning that the individual responsible may be “looking for trouble.” One netizen pointed out that, according to the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act, displaying any flag or national emblem that is not of Singapore in public is considered an offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
However, there are exceptions to the Act, including diplomatic representatives of a foreign power to Singapore, where authorization has been granted by the government, as well as on ships and aircraft. It remains unclear whether the individual responsible for hanging the Malaysian flag has obtained the necessary permission.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar case last year, where a China flag was displayed outside a condominium balcony in Bukit Batok, sparking a similar debate. As Singapore celebrates its National Day in August, the incident has raised questions about the boundaries of cultural expression and national pride.
While some have defended the act as a harmless display of friendship between nations, others have warned that it may be perceived as disrespectful or even provocative. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the individual responsible will face any consequences for their actions.