KUALA LUMPUR – KK Mart could consider going into other businesses as Umno Youth will continue its call to boycott the chain following the fiasco involving socks being sold with “Allah” written on them, said wing chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
“This boycott is a lesson not just for KK Mart, but to all parties that play with 3R (royalty, religion and race) issues. Today, we want to say that Malays and Muslims are sick of the unending mistakes and apologies.
“With this boycott effort, we hope there won’t be any more incidents. Of course, the boycott will continue until we are healed, but it would be difficult (to feel that way).
“I suggest KK Mart find other businesses, as we will implement the boycott properly. Let it be felt at every layer of Malaysian communities,” he said at the party’s headquarters today.
Previously, KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri K.K. Chai apologised in a press conference, explaining that the socks were imported from China and were among 1,200 other pairs, each with different designs.
Although admitting that he did not do a full inspection of every pair, Chai said only three outlets carried the socks, and only 14 pairs had “Allah” on them.
The chain also said its management had taken strict action by terminating the account of the supplier company, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, effective immediately, and would be taking legal action.
Earlier today, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party agreed with Dr Akmal’s strident calls to boycott KK Mart, following a unanimous decision by its supreme council.
In response, Dr Akmal said it symbolised that the party was on the right track by sticking to the boycott, and that Umno would never compromise its principles of defending Islam, Malays and the motherland.
Asked whether it could cause a rift among the unity government components, he said each party had their own principles, despite being able to work with all components.
As such, he reiterated that he did not need the permission and opinion from any minister to defend his religion when it was insulted.
Dr Akmal added that the movement was not political or to gain any influence, but to protect the sanctity of Islam. – March 22, 2024