However, Anwar told critics not to go overboard and allow for the law to take its course, Berita Harian reported.

“The flag is extremely important to a nation, so we should be more vigilant when it comes to such matters,” he was quoted as saying.

Anwar was asked to comment on the gaffe by Sin Chew Daily after the front page of its newspaper this week depicted the Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon.

Sin Chew Daily has since apologised for the mistake. Yesterday, it suspended its chief editor Chan Aun Kuang and deputy chief sub-editor Tsai Shwu San effective immediately.

The duo will be suspended until police conclude their investigations.

The authorities are investigating the matter under Section 3(1)(c) of the Emblems and Names Act as well as Section 4(1)(b) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.

Sin Chew Daily’s blunder had led to brickbats, with PAS and Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh demanding stern action against it.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has also weighed in on the controversy, saying Sin Chew Daily’s mistake was unacceptable and that the news outlet should have been more vigilant.