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Malaysia
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In Malaysia, viral video linked to Borneo secessionists sparks police investigation

The video – filmed during a protest in Melbourne, Australia – shows the Malaysian flag being replaced by the flags of Sabah and Sarawak

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A still from the viral video shows the Malaysian national flag being lowered down a makeshift flagpole outside Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Facebook/MossesPA
SCMP’s Asia desk
Police in Malaysia have launched an investigation into a viral video filmed in Australia depicting the national flag being replaced by the flags of Sabah and Sarawak.
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Recorded on September 16 in front of Parliament House in Melbourne, the video has garnered significant attention on Malaysian social media.

As of Monday, authorities had received 35 reports concerning the video: 34 from Sabah and one from a person in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain told a press conference.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the footage was disseminated by a Malaysian national living in Sabah, who has a history of legal issues, including previous charges for defamation and improper use of communication networks.

“We are investigating the connection between the suspect and the individual who was seen carrying out the act” of lowering the flag, Razarudin said, according to Bernama news agency.

Protesters chant as the flag of Sarawak flies from a makeshift flagpole outside Melbourne’s Parliament House, with others holding the flag of Sabah, in this still from the viral video. Photo: Facebook/MossesPA
Protesters chant as the flag of Sarawak flies from a makeshift flagpole outside Melbourne’s Parliament House, with others holding the flag of Sabah, in this still from the viral video. Photo: Facebook/MossesPA

The eight-minute clip has sparked heated debates about national identity and pride among Malaysians.

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