KUALA LUMPUR – Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has advised his successor Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to lay down his pitchfork over the fiasco surrounding the socks printed with the word “Allah” sold at convenience store chain KK Mart.
Calling for Muslims to take a step back, Khairy said while he understood their rightful anger over the incident, he questioned the extent of boycott efforts which have gone overboard.
He noted that KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan issued a seemingly genuine apology, while investigation papers by the police had already been sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.
“In this case, I do not blame Akmal, it is his duty as Youth chief. But, if action has been taken by the police, AGC, and the local council, it is time to stand down,” he said during his Keluar Sekejap podcast uploaded today.
“You have made your point… I think we should leave it to Muslim consumers to decide if they want to frequent KK Mart or not.
“Standing down does not mean Umno is giving up. This is advice from your ‘abang’ (brother) who once held the position, you’ve proven your point and done well, but it is time for you to stand your guys down now.”
KK Mart has been embroiled in controversy after inciting outrage in the Muslim community over its sale of “Allah”-printed socks, resulting in certain quarters calling for a boycott of the brand.
This morning, 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 lawsuit brought by KK Mart, which is claiming more than RM30 million in damages and losses caused by Xin Jian Chang’s alleged sabotage.
Khairy also warned that the incident has a negative subtext which could jeopardise the interracial and interreligious relationships in the nation.
“I am worried that this incident would drag on to further worsen the situation, as what is the subtext? The Muslims are unhappy, and this is a Chinese business.
“This will feed into the narrative to Malays that the Chinese are tone-deaf, while the Chinese will be fed the narrative that Malays will oppress Chinese businesses in such cases.”
He also said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call for action taken over the incident also did not mean that His Majesty wanted the people to adopt a mob mentality and resort to violence.
This morning, a molotov cocktail was thrown at a KK Mart outlet in Bidor, Perak, and the state’s police are investigating the incident under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.
Echoing similar sentiments, fellow podcast members and former Umno man Shahril Hamdan urged people to reflect on whether their actions are to defend Islam or to feed their egos.
Citing a video by American-Muslim scholar Omar Suleiman, Shahril also said Islam advocates honour, humility, and gentleness, when tackling challenges.
Shahril also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, one of the “nation’s best orators”, to use his skill and make a heartfelt speech to unite Malaysia – which would double as a “leadership moment” for him. – March 26, 2024