According to Monday's story in the Saudi Gazette, the proposed changes in the rules governing the green flag, aim to "more clearly define the proper uses of the state emblem, enhance awareness about the importance of the flag and anthem and protect the flag from infringement or neglect."

The Saudi flag is green and features the Shahada with a sword underneath.

Shura member Saad Salib Al Otaibi submitted the amendment to the council in accordance with article 23 of the flag, emblem and national anthem system, the Gazette wrote.

“There is a need to fill the legislative void regarding the lack of a system that defines the state anthem and details the provisions of the system, as an important requirement stipulated by article 4 of the Basic Law of Governance,” the Saudi paper Sabaq wrote on Monday.

There is also a need to establish determinants and controls for the use of the state emblem and to determine penalties to be applied in case of violation, it added.

The Shura Council is an unelected body and while its decisions have no bearing on existing laws or structures, the vote is significant because its members are appointed by the king.

The council has not given any other details and there is no information on what a new flag may look like.

The Saudi Press Agency on Monday tweeted a few images of the history of the flag.

Reactions to the change in flag have been mixed. Some said Islamic verses do not belong on a flag.

One user managed to bring in Pakistani "extremists" into the debate, circulating a video from a concert last year in which performers waved the Saudi flag.