KUALA LUMPUR – DAP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has issued a stark warning regarding the recent petrol bomb attacks on KK Mart convenience stores, expressing deep concerns over the potential escalation of ethnic conflicts and compromised national security if the situation is not handled with the utmost care.
The committee condemned the attacks on KK Mart outlets in Bidor, Perak, and Kuantan, Pahang, stressing the gravity of the incidents and their broader implications for societal harmony and national stability.
It also underscored the urgent need for decisive action to address the root causes of such violence, emphasising that failure to do so could result in heightened tensions between ethnic communities, ultimately jeopardising the country’s security.
“It is extremely concerning, and if not handled carefully, it could lead to ethnic conflicts that undermine security,” it said in a statement.
Moreover, the CEC echoed the sentiments expressed by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who described the petrol bomb attacks as a troubling sign requiring serious attention.
With fears mounting over the potential ramifications of these attacks, it urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, thereby preventing further acts of violence and restoring public confidence in the rule of law.
In light of these developments, the CEC also called upon all Malaysians to reject violence and prioritise dialogue and mutual respect as the cornerstones of a harmonious society.
In his Facebook post, DAP’s Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan expressed empathy towards the Muslim community, acknowledging the hurt caused by the “Allah”-printed socks controversy.
However, he noted that legal actions have already been taken and urged the public to have faith in the country’s legal system.
“Yes, we Muslims are hurt by the issue of stoking with the word ‘Allah’. Legal action has already been taken, and we must have faith in the rule of law,” Syahredzan said in his Facebook post.
Highlighting the importance of upholding the principles of the rule of law, Syahredzan Johan cautioned against taking matters into one’s own hands or resorting to violence outside the legal framework.
“We cannot take action on our own, outside the law. And we must never resort to violence. This is a country of law,” he said.
Highlighting the need for national unity and harmony, Syahredzan called upon Malaysians to reject all forms of violence and instead foster mutual understanding and respect.
“Let us all reject all forms of violence and maintain harmony among us. Let’s not set this country ablaze with the fire of hatred,” he added.
Similarly, youth chiefs of parties under Pakatan Harapan – Dr Kelvin Yii (DAP), Adam Adli Abdul Halim (PKR), Hasbie Muda (Amanah), and Felix Joseph Saang (UPKO) – also called for punishment for those that continued to incite division on the issue.
“We note that the incident is serious and has impacted the entire nation, especially Muslims, in light of Ramadan,” they said in a joint statement today.
“However, actions that are irrational and outside the law must be condemned. Any party that continues to fuel the fire and ride on this issue – to the point of leading to extremism – must be punished according to existing laws.”
The youth chiefs upheld Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s order against all parties to take advantage of the issue, as it is already undergoing legal procedures.
They also called on all quarters to remain calm while allowing the authorities to carry out their duties and take appropriate action to de-escalate the situation before it worsens.
Earlier today, a KK Mart outlet in Kuantan was attacked with a molotov cocktail, which resulted in a small fire at the mart’s entrance.
This is the second time a similar weapon was used against a KK Mart outlet, where the first incident occurred in Perak on Tuesday.
The attacks came after KK Mart incited outrage in the Muslim community over its sale of “Allah”-printed socks, resulting in certain quarters calling for a boycott of the chain.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan subsequently apologised profusely over the incident, while the company’s supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, also expressed its regret for the oversight in its quality control process.
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 Xin Jian Chang directors 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 claims more than RM30 million in damages and losses caused by Xin Jian Chang’s alleged sabotage. – March 30, 2024