The communications minister said certain individuals were trying to sow fear about raising the national flag, but maintained that this should not diminish the people’s spirit of patriotism, Berita Harian reported.

“Do not be afraid to put up the Jalur Gemilang. Don’t be fearful,” he was quoted as saying.

“Some are concerned about the actions of a small group of individuals who are trying to stir up sentiments and spook people. But let the cops take action.”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the authorities to take action against provocateurs who intentionally threaten public order and security in the wake of issues like the hoisting of the national flag upside down.

Anwar’s comments came amid a police probe into Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who is being investigated for sedition and criminal intimidation over a video he posted related to a shop owner who allegedly hung the Jalur Gemilang upside down.

After about 200 Umno Youth members gathered near the shop on Friday, DAP ordered its youth wings to file police reports throughout the country against Akmal.