The DAP lawmaker posted on his Facebook page last week that the Jalur Gemilang should be redesigned, saying it was causing confusion due to its similarity to the United States’ Stars and Stripes.
According to The Star Online, Manoharan confirmed receiving the decision by the party’s disciplinary board, which convened over the matter earlier today.
Board chairman Tan Kok Wai later revealed that the decision took into account that Manoharan had shown contrition for his comment.
“We’ve decided to suspend him for six months as we view his comments as serious. The suspension is meted out after taking into consideration that he has apologised and removed the remarks,” Tan was quoted as saying by Bernama Online today.
Manoharan’s comment had quickly drawn criticism from rivals Barisan Nasional, who attacked him for being unpatriotic in having made the suggestion.
Despite the lawmaker’s apologies following the furore, PAS — DAP’s partner in Pakatan Rakyat — also said that Manoharan could not be allowed to go unpunished after having posted the comment.
It is unclear if he plans to appeal the decision.