Christopher Pyne staffer Jack White among 9 Aussies arrested for disrobing to underwear at Formula One race in Malaysia

The nine Australians arrested in Malaysia for stripping down to their underwear includes a staffer for Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne. Jack Walker is among the pictured group of men who flashed their Jalur Gemilang-themed Malaysian flag briefs at the Formula One race in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

The Australians, aged from 25 to 29, were arrested at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for indecent behaviour in public place and disrespecting the national flag. They were celebrating the victory of fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo by disrobing. They have been remanded for four days beginning Monday.

Walker is believed to be among the group of arrested men. Pyne’s office refused to comment on the incident, preferring to wait for more details.

“This matter is being handled appropriately by the Australian High Commissioner,” a spokesman from the minister told the ABC. “Until we have a clearer picture of the process at hand, it would be unwise to comment further.”

SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razla Razali has called the Australians’ stunt “stupid,” saying the group deserved to be jailed.

“This shows a huge lack of respect to us Malaysians; this is stupid behaviour from foreigners who have no sense of cultural sensitivity and respect,” he was quoted by New Straits Times as saying. “They deserve to be locked up, investigated and taken action against.

“It embarrasses their own country as well; it gives Australians a bad name.”

Treasurer Scott Morrison would like to remind Australian tourists of their behaviour when other countries.

“It’s a timely reminder,” he told 2GB in an interview. “…If you go to another place, you conform to the method of behaviour they want there. Not how we behave.”

There were about 45,000 spectators who attended the Formula One race on Sunday. Ricciardo won first place, finishing 3.0 seconds ahead of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. Nico Rosberg finished third.