JOHOR BAHRU, Aug. 29 -- Johor DAP activist Dr Boo Cheng Hau has launched a petition against the Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn) president, claiming his order to shut down two businesses for improperly displaying flags was beyond his legal authority.

The petition was submitted to the Johor Public Service Commission (SPAJ), requesting a disciplinary investigation into MPPn president Abdul Azim Shamsuddin.

Dr Boo, a former state assemblyman and Johor opposition leader, alleged that Abdul Azim exceeded his mandate when he ordered a 30-day closure of a mini-market in Pekan Nanas and a dental clinic in Pontian.

The businesses were penalised for flying the Johor and Malaysian flags upside down, based on MPPn by-laws.

In his statement today,...