Chinese flag dispute in Malaysia sparks nationalist backlash, escalating tensions

As video from the flag-waving went viral, outcry percolated across social media, with commentators claiming the predominantly Chinese town of 170,000 people in Perak “feels like Shanghai” among other barbs aimed at Chinese influence in Malaysia.

In response, some 300 people converged on Teluk Intan’s town square on Saturday where they unfurled Malaysian flags and sang the national anthem as well as other patriotic songs.

Perak Police Chief Azizi Mat Ari said that, over the weekend, they received over 16 reports from the public, adding that the police were not informed of the rally.