Kazakhstan MPs have toughened penalties for desecrating state symbols today, in an apparent bid to strengthen national pride, Reuters reports. A separate law is also being introduced that will require Kazakh athletes to know the lyrics and music of Kazakhstan's anthem was also passed.
If you're wondering why the country is so keen to protect national pride, you may want to watch the videos below.
First, in embarrassing scene earlier this year, the Kazakhstan national anthem was accidentally confused with the Ricky Martin latin explosion hit "Livin' La Vida Loca' before the start of a skiing tournament.
WATCH:
Shortly after that awkward incident, the "Borat" parody of the Kazakh national anthem was played instead of the real anthem at an awards ceremony in Kuwait in March.
WATCH:
Please follow International on Twitter and Facebook.
Join the conversation about this story »