KUALA LUMPUR – The prosecution’s move to withdraw criminal charges against KK Mart-linked individuals hauled to court over the “Allah”-printed socks fiasco is an insult to Muslims, said PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari.
The Pasir Mas MP lambasted the discharge amounting to an acquittal granted to KK Mart founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan, his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui and three directors of Johor-based manufacturer Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd.
“The prosecution’s move to discontinue the case against KK Mart is a decision that has shamed Muslims. By right, when a case has been brought to court, the court should be allowed to hold a fair trial to determine whether or not those charged are guilty.
“Instead, (the prosecution acted as if) to put down the value of Muslims’ dignity,” Fadhli said when contacted by Scoop.
He also pointed to Chai’s presence at an overseas event during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to Central Asia, claiming: “The rakyat can see how good the relationship is between (Chai) and the government”.
Earlier today, it was reported that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had accepted a representation letter from Chai and Loh as well as the supplier company’s directors, Soh Chin Huat, Goh Li Huay and Soh Hui San.
Both companies, however, were fined RM60,000 each after they pleaded guilty to amended charges for causing religious offence.
While the prosecution had initially applied for the withdrawal of charges via a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, the court had reportedly agreed with the defence team’s argument that the case meets requirements for a full acquittal.
On March 26, Chai and Loh, in their capacities as KK Mart’s founders and executive chairpersons, were charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims.
They were accused of displaying socks with the word “Allah” printed on them on the sales display rack at one of their convenience store outlets in Sunway on March 13 at 6.30am.
If found guilty, those accused could have been punished with a maximum jail term of one year, a fine or both upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Xi Jian Chang’s three directors also claimed trial on March 26 for abetting KK Mart by intentionally wounding the religious sensitivities of Muslims at the same place, time and date.
The trio were charged under Section 109 of the Penal Code, read with Section 298 of the same legislation, which provides for a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine or both. – July 15, 2024