KUALA LUMPUR – MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng has questioned whether those who posted about local fashion company Vern’s shoe sole design, which allegedly resembled the word “Allah” in Arabic script, will face legal action.
Since the company has since clarified it did not intend to create a graphic belittling or insulting any religion or belief, Wee asked whether those who uploaded social media posts on the issue would be made to bear the costs of their actions.
“(The Vern’s controversy) arose because someone questioned the pattern in question online. Before the matter could be handed over to the police, this particular shoe store was already subjected to public scrutiny online.
“(Vern’s) has since formally apologised, withdrawn the products and offered refunds…who then will be responsible for the losses incurred?
“Will those who initially hyped up the issue face legal consequences?” he questioned in a statement today.
Wee also called for the establishment of a special task force to handle complaints related to “religious coexistence”, asserting that such a move would allow authorities to closely monitor discussions on social media platforms regarding religious issues and take necessary actions promptly to prevent situations from spiralling out of control.
“We can also avoid situations where individuals are subjected to public scrutiny, trial by media or vigilante actions (which could lead) to a situation where individuals take the law into their own hands (and cause) boycotts, ostracism or acts of sabotage resulting in widespread fear and tension.”
We said authorities should take strict action against those who opt to air their grouses online instead of reporting such matters to the relevant authorities, adding that intentionally circulating misinformation online does not benefit any party.
“When an individual discovers any inappropriate religious incident or content, they may lodge a complaint to the task force’s hotline, which should then handle the matter.
“(This is instead of) subjecting the incident to a public trial on the internet and social media first, which is of no benefit to the concerned parties – and may cause the issue to become distorted, leading to ethnic and religious strains.”
We also claimed that the recurrence of such controversies could discourage foreign investors from venturing into Malaysia
“As long as individuals with mala fide (bad faith) intentions deliberately raise doubts or make unsubstantiated accusations online, any enterprise or business could suffer.”
Aiming Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Wee accused the Merlimau assemblyman of behaving as if he were a law enforcement officer when he threatened to boycott Vern’s if an explanation was not provided within 24 hours.
Yesterday, a Facebook video of a man claiming that a high-heel shoe from Vern’s had an inscription said to resemble the word “Allah” on its sole made the rounds on social media, inciting the ire of certain quarters.
In a statement, Vern’s apologised for the logo and clarified that its design was inspired by the silhouette of a high-heeled shoe. It also ceased the sale of the affected products while offering refunds to customers.
Nonetheless, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had instructed Jakim to summon those responsible for the shoes to provide their explanation on the matter.
Today, Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Ng Chuan Hoo provided his statement to Jakim.
When met by reporters afterwards, the 51-year-old reiterated his company’s apology over the incident.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told a press conference that authorities have seized 1,145 pairs of shoes from Vern’s outlets in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah.
Responding to the furore, Akmal’s Bersatu counterpart, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, had called on Muslims to not be hasty and paranoid over matters deemed challenging to Islam, as Muslims should act guided by knowledge, not “impulsive emotions”. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has since cautioned that it will not hesitate to take action against individuals attempting to exploit social media platforms by making unwarranted comments and potentially triggering disharmony over the shoe sole issue. – April 8, 2024