Socks issue now with the courts, so focus on people and economy, Muda urges govt

KUALA LUMPUR: Muda has urged that the socks controversy be put to rest in the public arena while the courts resolve the case.

Its vice president Zaidel Baharuddin said in the midst of a weak ringgit and high prices of goods leading up to Hari Raya, the socks issue should not be harped on further.

"Is it appropriate for the issue to be repeatedly brought up?" he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 27).

Zaidel said as a Muslim, he too was offended by the discovery of socks being sold with the word "Allah" printed on them.

However, he said speaking out on the controversy did not mean his faith was lacking.

Zaidel noted that action had been taken, the company and supplier involved had apologised, and court cases had been initiated.

He fully supported Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin's views that the issue, while serious, should not be escalated for political mileage.

Zaidel said if any political party wants to win Muslim support and votes, the path to be taken now was one of avoidance.

"Don't intentionally select issues related to religion and ethnicity, sensationalise it (to) deliberately get a reaction, and try to be a hero," he said.

"Maybe the component parties in the Madani government can focus on other matters such as the ringgit, Padu concerns, the tax hikes that have affected the price of goods, and also the future of the nation," he said.