"The publisher is insensitive to the status and integrity of the national
flag... the parties concerned should give valid reasons for publishing the
picture," Noh was quoted as saying by the national Bernama news agency.
Noh and his aides were not immediately reachable for comments. The magazine was
still on sale in newsstands.
The coverpage and centerfold of the magazine show 23-year-old air stewardess
Aida Khurniah wrapped in the national flag, posing sexily with her thighs and
part of her chest exposed, but the shots are relatively tame by Western
standards.
In an article accompanying the pictures titled "Lighting the Fire of
Patriotism," she urged Malaysians to fly the national flag ahead of National
Day.
"I think the fire of patriotism has long fizzled out in the souls of our
people... don't let it stay that way," she was quoted as saying.
Skimpy attire is frowned upon in this predominantly Muslim nation that bans
publications featuring nudity and what authorities deem pornographic.
The Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress over the weekend lodged a police complaint
against the magazine, saying the "obscene" pictures had tarnished the country's
image.
Malaysia will mark its National Day on August 31, the date it won independence
from Britain 48 years ago. The government is pushing its citizens to fly the
flag, known as "Jalur Gemilang" or Stripes of Glory, to show their love for the
country.
"Perhaps the (magazine) just did not know the significance of the national flag
or they are too enthusiastic about celebrating National Day," Noh said.
