KUALA LUMPUR – Are the police going to investigate individuals who fanned the flames by framing the “Allah”-printed socks controversy as an attack on Islam, questioned rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL).
LFL director Zaid Malek also asked if “the culprits who turned the country upside down for a fortnight get away with it” and pointed to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh in particular.
“It is public knowledge that a key person responsible for the build-up of tension was Akmal Saleh, who was relentless in playing up the issue, even after the business had made public apologies and criminal charges had been brought against them. There may be others involved as well.
“It is dangerous to let politicians baselessly carry on the narrative that the religion is under attack. These kinds of statements from persons who have political standing and influence can have a far-reaching impact on public order and tranquillity,” he said in a statement today.
Zaid added that those who incited or instigated the public must face the full force of the law even if the offenders are from a political party in government.
This comes after Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain urged all parties to stop “adding more fuel to an ongoing fire” and not play up 3R (religion, race, and royalty) issues.
“All parties should stand down. Legal action has been taken against those who play up these issues. These individuals have been charged, and let the justice system run its course,” he said in a press conference yesterday.
While Shuhaily did not mention any specific cases, the warning comes in the wake of a molotov cocktail attack on a KK Mart store in Bidor, Perak.
The boycott campaign against KK Mart was sparked by outrage within the Muslim community over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, were recently charged in court for intentionally hurting religious sentiments.
Meanwhile, supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, faces a RM30 million civil suit brought by KK Mart.
In a separate incident, police arrested an elderly man for allegedly making a death threat against Akmal. – March 28, 2024