KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the need for firm and immediate action to address religious insults following the recent controversy over the sale of socks bearing the word Allah at a KK Mart convenience store.
However, he also urged the nation not to remain fixated on this case.
He said that any decision regarding the issue must follow legal procedures and reminded all parties to refrain from disrespecting religion, especially Islam, in the future.
“My standpoint is clear, there are reports, there is an overstepping, and there must be immediate action, followed by decisions in accordance with legal procedures and progress.
“Why are we entangled in these prolonged issues? There are reports, take action, there should be no disrespect towards religion, especially Islam.
“So, let us not continuously discuss this as if it were a catastrophe and a major issue in the country. Take firm and immediate action, and we must progress in the fields we wish to explore,” he said.
He made these remarks when met at an iftar event with media practitioners at his official residence in the Seri Perdana complex in Putrajaya today.
The prime minister, who arrived at 6.57pm dressed in full Malay traditional attire, was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
A total of 200 print, electronic, and online media practitioners from over 70 local media agencies, including Sabah and Sarawak, local and international media clubs, as well as veteran media, were present at the event.
The prime minister also presented contributions to 20 media personnel and former personnel who are experiencing health issues or are underprivileged.
Meanwhile, Anwar, when asked about the verbal clashes among leaders in the unity government regarding the issue, said that within the framework of a free and democratic political body, one should not adhere to a system of coercion.
“In a party, coercion that restricts independent thinking does not allow for (differences of opinion).
We (the unity government) allow it, but my advice is not to go too far or to adopt narrow-minded thinking.
“There are problems, actions are taken, and we move forward. Whatever the form of punishment, it shouldn’t be excessive. People make mistakes just as we make mistakes, sometimes out of negligence.
“So, let’s not go as far as punishing someone more than necessary,” he stressed.
His response is in reference to the verbal clashes between Umno leaders and MCA, as well as DAP, over the matter.
Earlier, KK Group of Companies founder and group executive chairman Datuk Seri K.K. Chai and seven others were called up for police questioning over the “Allah”-printed socks issue.
Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department (CID) said they had their statements taken today at 12.30pm.
The CID added that a total of 80 reports have been lodged with police over the socks as of noon today.
Recently, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh reiterated that they would not budge from their stance, urging Muslims to continue boycotting the KK Mart chain following the incident.
Akmal had previously slammed Parliament’s DAP chief whip, Nga Kor Ming, for accusing him of incitement over the boycott effort. – March 20, 2024