KUALA LUMPUR – Youth leaders should embody radicalism to unify the nation’s ideals, not disrupt the social fabric laid by the country’s founding fathers, said PKR Youth.
Critiquing Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s stand on the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at KK Mart, the Youth wing has urged him to step up and take responsibility for the ongoing tension among the people arising from the boycott campaign against the convenience store chain.
“We have said it before. A political leader should be able to calm any racial tension in our pluralistic society and not the other way around.
“However, Akmal seems to be still stubborn. Until now he is still making excuses and not acknowledging the impact due to his stand on the issue,” its Information chief Nabil Halimi said in a statement today.
He said Islam should be upheld with wisdom rather than excessive anger.
“Do not let our nation perish due to your extreme attitudes,” he added.
PKR Youth also called on all Malaysians to remain calm and allow the police to carry out their duties in resolving this case.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and harmony, which have long served as the foundation and strength of our multi-ethnic country.
“Let us maintain the peace and harmony of our multi-ethnic country, which has long served as the foundation and strength of our peaceful existence,” he said.
On March 16, Akmal lodged a report against the management of KK Mart at the Merlimau police station in Melaka.
He also called on all people and parties, irrespective of race, religion, and political affiliation, to send a clear signal for strict action to be taken against the person or group responsible for the incident.
On March 17, he said the management of KK Mart had two days to put up a nationwide banner at all 881 branches of the convenience store to apologise for the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah.”
The boycott campaign against KK Mart was sparked by outrage within the Muslim community over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”. This led to calls for a boycott and resulted in legal actions against the store’s management.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, were recently charged in court for intentionally hurting religious sentiments, while their supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, faces a civil suit. – April 1, 2024
