-The Star filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Those who take the law into their own hands over the issue of socks with the word Allah on them will face stern action.
“Such acts of vigilantism will not be tolerated as it will only worsen the situation,” says Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain (pic).
Some groups have hounded those who posted offensive comments over the socks issue while others have “raided” stores and confronted workers.
“Let the authorities enforce the law. In the month of Ramadan, let us all be patient. We have taken necessary action so let justice be served,” Comm Mohd Shuhaily told a press conference.
Asked about people boycotting KK Super Mart after the socks were found in one of its outlets, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said it was another form of freedom of expression under the Federal Constitution.
“There is also a boycott on Starbucks and other companies due to the situation in Gaza. It is the right of the people to boycott.
“This case involving KK Super Mart has affected Muslims in the country and garnered strong reactions from the country’s leaders.
“I am also affected by it, but once I wear the police uniform, I will perform my duties professionally,” he said.
He also advised the people, including religious experts, to calm the situation.
On the socks vendor claiming that they had been threatened, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said no police report had been lodged so far.
Meanwhile, Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft (Marah) founder Dave Avran echoed Comm Mohd Shuhaily’s stand.
“While the socks issue has stirred up emotions and all right thinking Malaysians do not condone the sale of these socks, it still does not justify vigilantism.
“Those who appoint themselves as judge, jury and executioner are dangerous,” Avran said.
“No matter how much they may see themselves as being in the right, they still subvert the judicial process and can end up harming others.”
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye agreed with Comm Mohd Shuhaily’s stand.
“True to his professionalism, the Bukit Aman CID director has rightly called on the people not to take the law into their own hands.
“This is not only appropriate for the socks issue but also in dealing with any problem that should be handled by the police,” he said.
