‘Let justice prevail in controversial case’

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should let the law run its course instead of further inflaming the situation as far as the controversial socks issue is concerned, say civil society activists and moderation advocates.

In this regard, any action taken against Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh by the authorities should be commended, they say.

Malay moderate group G25 member Tawfik Ismail said authorities had taken timely action against Dr Muhamad Akmal to maintain peace in the country as the Umno Youth chief had been ignoring calls to put an end to the whole kerfuffle.

“Akmal has been daring the authorities to arrest him as he had been ignoring all the calls to put an end to the boycott (he started).

“We have expected this to happen. However, let the law take its course,” he said when contacted.

Tawfik added that authorities should also keep tabs on Dr Muhamad Akmal’s supporters.

“Will the detention make him a hero (among his supporters)? Will it encourage his supporters to become more emotional, which could potentially lead to worse acts?

“Therefore, the authorities must be very firm to curb the matter by using the laws to clamp down on any possible (excessive) reactions,” he added.

National Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the authorities were in the best position to act in the interest of the country’s harmony, safety and security.

“It is best left to the authorities. Let justice be done – and be seen to be done. The authorities are responsible, and they are in the best position to exercise their roles in upholding justice,” he said when contacted.

Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy proposed a new standard operating procedure to deal with similar issues in the future, where business owners will be accountable for offensive materials regarding religion and race before they go viral on social media.

“For example, if you go to a mall and you see something offensive, quickly contact the management of the place and inform them so they can do something about it, instead of blowing it up on social media.

“Malaysians should not assume that other Malaysians are out there to hurt each other as things like these could’ve happened due to a mistake,” said Anas, who argued that such a mechanism should be in place to address such issues to ensure no individuals would seize the opportunity for personal popularity.

“That way, we don’t allow such things to escalate, taking away our attention from things we need to focus on,” he said.

“Yes, Dr Akmal has been detained, but we need a more permanent solution, and we need that mechanism so that if something like this happens again, we could nip it in the bud,” added Anas.

Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.my) founder Aizat Shamsuddin said Dr Muhamad Akmal’s questioning by police was a good development in curbing extremism.

He said extremists should be held accountable for the fraying of harmony and peace in Malaysia’s racially and religiously diverse society, and in this instance, authorities must take action on Dr Muhamad Akmal, who should also initiate action to cool the situation.

Hindu-based NGO Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram adviser Datuk V. Nadarajan said it was time for all parties who are aggrieved by the socks issue and called for a boycott of KK Super Mart to bury the hatchet.

Nadarajan also said Dr Muhamad Akmal should be the first to step up and put an end to the protest, adding that even the Malays are annoyed that the matter is being prolonged.

“We are Malaysians and we have lived together in peace for decades. How can this be allowed to continue?

“The matter should be put to rest since the owner of KK Mart profusely and humbly apologised. He was also taken to court to face charges. What more is expected of him?

“Dr Akmal has gone overboard but he can make it right and earn the people’s respect by being the first to offer the olive branch. He should bear in mind that he is a potential leader of the country and must set a good example,” said the lawyer.

Nadarajan said authorities should not tolerate any party or individual that stirs unrest to gain popularity.

“This should have been nipped in the bud when it started and not allowed to escalate. Stern action must be taken on those who seek fame by driving a wedge between the races,” he said.

The KK Super Mart management and vendor have issued a public apology for their mistake.

KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder and chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan and his wife, as the company’s director, were also charged on March 26 under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intentionally wounding the religious sensitivities of Muslims by allegedly putting the socks on sale.