Don't make threats over socks issue, urges DAP MP after Akmal's boycott calls

There is no need for excessive threats over the KK Mart controversy involving the sale of socks with the word Allah, as it is not productive and will only serve to divide society further, said a DAP MP.

Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii warned that such an escalation would impact workers of all races and possibly hurt the economy.

“I understand this is an important issue and should not have happened in the first place.

“Even as a person of a different faith, I would understand how it feels if holy sacraments were symbolised in the same way as in this instance.

“That is why I understand the importance of finding a middle ground and a way forward that is best for all, addressing the misunderstanding and sensitivities of all parties,” Yii (above) said in a statement last night.

He added that the misunderstanding started through miscommunication between the supplier of the product and the shop owner, as the owner wasn’t aware that the socks sent to his shops were designed that way.

Yii pointed out that KK Mart had taken immediate steps to rectify the issue, including publicly apologising and taking further steps to allay concerns and misunderstandings.

“Umno Youth when realising this matter, should have found a better way forward including taking this as an opportunity to bridge the divide rather than dividing the people.

“We cannot be reactive to any issue, and as young leaders, we must look at bringing mature politics and policies that promote social integration rather than threats that divide us.

“There are many matters we need to focus upon as a country which we all will need to work together, prioritising the economy and welfare of our people regardless of background,” the DAP Youth chief said.

Yesterday, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon urged Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh not to “blindly” make boycott calls against the store chain, suggesting that such a move would hurt the country.

“I also remind the Umno Youth chief to refrain from exaggerating the issue of KK Mart socks and not to play boycott tactics blindly, otherwise, the victims will still be our country,” Chong said.

Meanwhile, Selangor executive councillor Ng Sze Han said Malaysia's economy requires the collective effort of all citizens to be tolerant of different ethnic, religious, and cultural practices.

He also highlighted that the KK SuperMart chain with over 800 outlets and 5,000 employees, plays a significant role in the economy and is a source of livelihood for many families.

"The supermarket primarily sells daily necessities and offers a wide range of products. Among its numerous outlets, only 14 pairs of the offending socks were found, indicating an oversight," he explained.

He urged for calm in dealing with the incident and advised against hastily responding with boycotts that could escalate the situation, affecting employees' livelihoods and the economy.

He hoped this incident would serve as a lesson for other businesses or merchants to be sensitive to the cultural practices of all ethnic groups, fostering mutual understanding and tolerance, and collectively advancing the nation's economy.

KK Mart apology

Last Wednesday, convenience store chain KK Super Mart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Mart) apologised over the sale of Miranosock branded socks which bore the word Allah.

A video of the socks went viral.

The company said they immediately terminated the sale of the product and requested an explanation from the supplier.

The police said they were not investigating the incident as they did not receive a report.

In response, Akmal said Umno Youth wing members nationwide will start lodging police reports.

He also called for Malaysians to boycott KK Mart as a response to the “rude” incident and to teach the company a lesson.

“We urge everyone regardless of their race, religion, or political inclination to take clear action and show KK Mart and its vendors that we cannot tolerate such an act.

“So, today we will start to lodge police reports nationwide. I have asked Umno Youth in every state to do this.

“And we urge the authorities to find out who is responsible, either KK Mart or its vendor, and investigate them under Section 298(a) of the Penal Code (for insulting a religion).

“We cannot let this go easily. We ask everyone in Malaysia to teach them a lesson,” he said in a video on Facebook.

Akmal also called for the company to hang a banner apologising about the incident at each of its 881 branches nationwide.

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