KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has made peace if he is not picked to stand in the next election, as defending Islam is sacrosanct amid the controversy over the socks printed with the word “Allah” being sold at convenience chain KK Mart.
This came after a news article cited an analyst saying that Akmal’s actions would jeopardise electoral support for the unity government, as voters would perceive that the administration was focused on Malay sensitivities.
“I am speechless. When we defend Islam after it is insulted, we are perceived to be making a fuss,“ he said in a Facebook post today.
“What’s worse is that when our religion is insulted, there are people who think about the need to maintain votes.
“I would rather not be selected for the elections than do nothing when Islam is insulted. Let Allah give us the strength to defend His religion.”
Authorities found 14 pairs on the shelves at three KK Mart outlets and five during a raid at the manufacturer’s premises in Batu Pahat. Boycott calls against KK Mart began soon after.
Subsequently, KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan issued an apology. Although admitting that he did not do a full inspection of every pair, he said only three outlets carried the socks, and only 14 pairs had “Allah” printed on them.
On Tuesday, Chai and his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, were charged in the Shah Alam sessions court for intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims.
Three directors of manufacturer, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, were also charged with abetting Chai and Loh in the distribution of the socks.
The two companies are also engaged in a separate civil suit brought by KK Mart, claiming more than RM30 million in damages and losses caused by Xin Jian Chang’s alleged sabotage.
Despite being vocal about the boycott movement, Akmal told Scoop that it would be unfair to boycott all non-Muslim businesses.
He had condemned an incident on Tuesday where a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Bidor, Perak. – March 28, 2024