KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities will not hold back investigations into individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, if they are suspected of challenging race, religion and royalty (3R) sentiments, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Stressing that authorities will not make concessions in taking action against those who touch on 3R sensitivities, Anwar cautioned against questioning police investigations into such alleged offences.
“It must be emphasised that we will not compromise. (A suspect’s) position or party does not matter.
“Don’t make threats if (authorities) take action, especially if 3R (sentiments) were touched on,” Anwar told reporters after an event in Penang today.
“As the national pillar, the royal institution must be defended, along with our constitutional principles and the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Challenge these and we will take stern action. If you are investigated, apprehended and charged, don’t question it.”
Anwar said this when asked for comments on Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s detainment by Sabah police earlier today for questioning related to his comments concerning the “Allah”-printed socks controversy.
The prime minister also clarified Dr Akmal was not arrested as he was merely called in to facilitate investigations at the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters.
“It’s important for us to understand the government and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s statements… if there really is a problem with this matter, like how the socks issue was seriously (regarded) by Muslims, then (the authorities) will investigate, arrest and press charges.
“(The authorities will) go ahead. Don’t use this issue or any others to incite others – Muslims or non-Muslims.”
Earlier today, Dr Akmal announced his detention by Sabah police on Facebook, adding he would not budge from his stance over convenience store chain KK Mart’s contentious sale of the socks.
He also said he was scheduled to have his statement recorded at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
The Merlimau assemblyman also told reporters that he was confused by the investigation conducted by Sabah police, stating that he had not made any statements in the state on the issue of convenience store chain KK Mart’s sale of “Allah”-printed socks.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has since told Scoop that police had detained Dr Akmal in Kota Kinabalu instead of waiting to take his statement at Dang Wangi tomorrow because police had received reports against him yesterday.
Since police are looking to complete their sedition probe into Dr Akmal within seven days, Razarudin said that they had opted to detain him today.
Razarudin had earlier confirmed that the authorities were investigating Dr Akmal under the Sedition Act 1948, as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, over his actions and speeches amid the KK Mart fiasco.
On Wednesday, KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan was granted an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim to apologise for his company’s sale of the socks.
“Once again, I warn quarters against taking advantage of this matter, especially (by) inciting the people. I do not want this matter to drag on,” the Agong said on his official Facebook page.
Viral images of the socks at a KK Mart branch had caused the chain and its supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, to be the target of outrage and calls for a boycott.
In particular, Dr Akmal had vocally criticised the sale of the socks and condemned KK Mart for the incident – despite Chai publicly apologising for the offensive item.
The controversy has since led to several KK Mart outlets being attacked, with three hit so far, involving molotov cocktails being thrown at its stores in Pahang, Perak and Sarawak in over a week. – April 5, 2024