KUALA LUMPUR – Amid an investigation into allegations of sedition, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said he will keep in mind Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s decree to uphold the sanctity of Islam.
In a Facebook post today, Akmal said he will also heed His Majesty’s advice to maintain national harmony, as conveyed during an audience with the Agong today.
Also involved in the audience today were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and DAP deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong.
Following the audience, the Agong expressed his hope that political leaders avoid being extremists when giving their views on religious and racial issues.
“(This is) not only (about) Umno and DAP, but also for all parties (as) leaders must be the bridge between our plural society and examples of mature behaviour,” His Majesty decreed.
Sultan Ibrahim also said recent events should open the eyes of all parties to their collective responsibility to safeguard national unity.
Recently, local fashion company Vern’s incited ire among the Muslim community after a graphic on the soles of its shoes was accused of resembling the word “Allah” in Arabic.
The controversy came on the heels of convenience store chain KK Mart’s sale of “Allah”-printed socks, which drew fierce backlash from certain quarters, including Akmal, who had called for a boycott of the company.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain later confirmed that police have launched an investigation into the Merlimau assemblyman’s speeches and actions related to the KK Mart controversy.
The investigation, which is being carried out under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, is said to be nearly complete.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously said authorities will not hold back probes into individuals, regardless of their political affiliations, if they are suspected of challenging race, religion and royalty sentiments. – April 9, 2024