Don't exploit KK Super Mart issue for political mileage, says MCA's Tan Teik Cheng

PETALING JAYA: Politicians should refrain from exploiting the latest controversy over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” for political mileage and instead focus on issues concerning public interest, says MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.

Tan said Umno youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh’s demands for apology banners at all 881 KK Super Mart outlets nationwide failed to solve the issue and also exacerbated racial tensions.

“Politicians attempting to exploit such incidents for their political purposes and to divert attention, risk complicating and confusing the issue, hindering its resolution.

“In handling such issues, politicians should refrain from exploiting it for personal or political gain but should focus on protecting public interests. Only then can the issue be properly resolved, and the government's commitment to its responsibility to the public conveyed,” said Tan.

Earlier, Dr Muhammad Akmal demanded banners at all 881 of KK Supermart outlets nationwide apologising over the controversial socks issue.

He said Umno Youth would resort to more "drastic" action if such an apology was not forthcoming at all KK Mart outlets or from its vendor within the next two days.

On March 15, KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai apologised over the sale of socks bearing the word "Allah".

Tan said this incident serves as a good lesson to Malaysia’s diverse society.

“People should remain sensitive to religious and racial issues in their daily lives, accepting each other's differences based on the principle of mutual respect, thus embodying the spirit of diversity and moderation in our multicultural society,” added Tan.

Elaborating on the matter, Tan said KK Super Mart has swiftly apologised to the Muslim community over the incident and it is the correct approach in resolving such issues.

“He also emphasised that Malaysia is a country of diverse races and religious beliefs, and all ethnicities should remain tactful on such sensitive issues,” said Tan.

“As a well-known convenience store chain, KK Super Mart did not make excuses after the incident but chose to acknowledge the mistake, apologised and immediately resolve the issue, bringing the matter to a close,” added Tan.

On Saturday (March 16), Chai said they took full responsibility for what happened and have lodged a police report and will cooperate with the police.

The convenience store chain also submitted a letter to the Home Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (religious affairs) and religious authorities to explain.