PETALING JAYA: Public emotions should be kept under control whenever there are incidents that threaten the peace and stability of our multi-religious and multiracial country, says the G25 group of eminent Malays.In responding to the controversial socks issue, the group of retired civil servants and influential leaders said Malaysians could better manage their emotions.
It said it welcomes the statement by Penang mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor that boycotting non-Muslim businesses is going “overboard and against Islamic teachings”.
“Whoever the culprit is, the incident has unfortunately resulted in repercussions of disproportionate magnitude and with a racial slant,” the G25 said in a statement yesterday.
As the matter is being investigated by the police, the group said it should be left in the hands of the authorities without anyone intervening with irresponsible comments.
It also called for the government to reassure the public that the matter would be probed and addressed appropriately to prevent public emotions from escalating.
Doing so could also stop unscrupulous politicians from taking advantage of it for political mileage, the group added.
The G25 said the incident has threatened the livelihoods and safety of KK Super Mart’s workers despite the convenience store chain having apologised.
“The government and political leaders must also consider their reaction to such incidents and how this would affect much-needed investments in our country.
“Foreign and local investors will turn elsewhere if a few pairs of socks, regardless of intention, are enough to close a business,” the group warned.
The G25 also expressed concern for Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang, who were unlawfully intimidated by vigilante groups over their insensitive comments related to the incident.
“We abhor mob justice... It is not the job of the vigilante groups to do what they did, for we have the law and enforcement authorities,” said the group, which called for action to be taken against these groups.
It also expressed disappointment that both Chiok and Cagampang were brought to court without legal representation.
“The very sensitivity of the matter makes it all the more necessary that the accused persons have the full protection of the law,” the G25 added.
On March 13, several pairs of socks with the word “Allah” printed on them were found in certain branches of convenience store chain KK Super Mart, which led to calls for a boycott and threats against its business and staff.
