ISTANBUL

A Chinese-language newspaper based in Malaysia has suspended two top editors over displaying an incorrect picture of the Malaysian flag, lacking its standard crescent.

The picture, published on Tuesday in the local Sin Chew Daily, the same day as the Chinese President Xi Jinping started a visit to Malaysia, caused a stir in the country.

The newspaper, founded in 1929, suspended Editor-in-Chief Chan Aun Kuang and his deputy Tsai Shwu San on Thursday, reported Sinar Harian daily.

The editors were also detained by the police for five hours before being released on bail.

The newspaper has apologized for the incident, and the police have launched an investigation

The flag’s crescent – prominently displayed – represents Islam, the country’s state religion. China is officially an atheist state, but recognizes five major faiths, including Islam.

Malaysia's Premier Anwar Ibrahim said Friday: "The flag is extremely important to the nation, so we should be more vigilant when it comes to such matters.”

But he cautioned that people should let the legal process play out and not go too far.

Over 7 million ethnic Chinese live in Malaysia. Islam is the country’s predominant religion, observed by some 65% of the population.