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A video of a boat flying Israeli flags on Sungai Kelantan went viral over the weekend, raising questions about why Malaysians would display the flags locally
In the 14-second video, four men in ski masks are seen holding 'rifles', while three individuals in white T-shirts kneel, appearing to be 'held hostage' on the boat.
The boat stands out as it is the only one flying Israeli flags among a fleet of boats displaying the Kelantan state flag, the Jalur Gemilang, and Palestinian flags.
The video went viral on social media, with one repost garnering over 2.3 million views on Instagram
Many Malaysians expressed discomfort at seeing Israeli flags flown, with one user commenting that it sends the wrong signal.
"If Israel watched half of the video, they would be so proud," wrote an Instagram user.
"I don't like to see haram flags flying around like that. If it's for demonstration, [please don't] pretend that it cannot be replaced with a white cloth with Israel written on it" read the top comment.
The video can be found below:
Responding to the controversy, Pertubuhan Anak Muda Bangkit Malaysia explained that the Israeli flags were used as part of a reenactment
Speaking to Berita Harian, programme director Mohd Khairul Hafiz Hassan said the video was filmed during the 500 Kelantan Solidarity Sailing for Gaza Programme.
"We absolutely had no intention of glorifying Israel by flying the flag; on the contrary, it was to present a clear situation to the attendees.
"As soon as the reenactment was over, the flag was also trampled on as a symbol of anger towards Israel.
"I am confident that the 10,000 visitors involving nearly 1,000 boats who participated in the programme on that day did not raise the flag issue because they understood the message that was being conveyed," he said.
Mohd Khairul apologised for the incident, adding that he hopes the issue will not be blown out of proportion, noting that the message conveyed that day was far more important, especially as it marked the third event his organisation had held in support of Palestine since 2023.
The Kelantan police department is currently investigating the case under Section 3(1) of the National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, reported the New Straits Times.
