Govt must take the lead swiftly in matters like socks issue, says G25

PETALING JAYA: Emotions must be controlled in a multireligious and multiracial country, civil society group G25 says of the controversial socks issue.

“This is especially important in incidents that may threaten the peace and stability of the country.

”When such issues arise, it is up to the government to take the lead and be quick to reassure the public that the issue will be investigated and addressed appropriately.

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“As we saw in this case... (there were) threats to workers’ livelihoods, safety and reputation despite the apology by the KK Super Mart (chain)," it said in a statement on Sunday (March 24).

The group welcomed the statement by Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor, calling for restraint in commenting on the incident.

“Whoever is the culprit, the incident has unfortunately resulted in repercussions of disproportionate magnitude and with a racial slant.

"Malaysians must heed the advice of the Mufti of Penang that non-Muslim businesses being boycotted is ‘overboard and against Islamic teachings’,” G25 added.

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It urged that the matter is left in the hands of the police while it conducts its investigation, without politicians and the public intervening with irresponsible comments.

The group added that it abhors mob justice, especially in the cases of Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang, who were unlawfully intimidated by vigilante groups over comments they made online.

“It is not the job of the vigilante groups to do what they did; we have the law and the enforcement authorities,” G25 said, calling for swift action to be taken against those who took the law into their own hands.

G25 also expressed disappointment that both Chiok and Cagampang were brought to court without legal representation.

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“The very sensitivity of the matter makes it all the more necessary that the accused persons have the full protection of the law,” it said.

The controversy began on March 13 when several pairs of socks with the word "Allah" printed on them were found in certain branches of convenience store chain KK Super Mart.

Despite an apology by KK Group of Companies founder Datuk Seri KK Chai, Umno Youth leader Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh demanded a stronger gesture of atonement from the company failing which the movement would resort to "drastic" action including calling for a boycott.