Don't pre-empt police probe in KK Mart firebomb attempt: PAS leader

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has cautioned against pre-empting police investigations in the attempted firebombing of a KK Mart branch in Bidor, Perak, yesterday morning.

He expressed his condolences and sympathy to the “victims” of the incident.

“The firebombing incident is a mind-boggling act that needs to be condemned.

“Such an act should not become a norm in society, no matter what.

“One cannot take the law into their own hands and dish out justice, as we have the government and enforcement authorities empowered to do so,” the Pasir Mas MP said in a statement today.

At the same time, Fadhli (above) slammed “irresponsible” attempts to point fingers over the incident, when police investigations are ongoing.

His remarks came following Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii’s statement yesterday, blaming politicians who “fanned tensions” in the issue involving socks with the word Allah found in a KK Mart in Selangor, for being indirectly responsible for the firebombing attempt at the Perak outlet.

Although Yii did not mention names, it is believed to be about Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who has been vocal in calling for a boycott of KK Mart following the incident.

‘Victim of perception’

Fadhli said pointing fingers preceding police investigations could result in one’s reputation being tarnished, due to perception.

“We witnessed how the arson at Beruas MP’s (Ngeh Koo Ham) house in January was initially linked to political issues, but police investigations later proved otherwise.

“Although there is yet to be any prosecution in the case (arson), the image of certain quarters was ruined from the statements issued preceding the authorities’ investigation,” he added.

This was in reference to Ngeh blaming PAS and its Perikatan Nasional ally Bersatu for fanning tensions that led to the arson.

“It is still premature to link the Bidor petrol bomb case to any previous case.

“Let no party become a victim of perception before thorough investigations are carried out by the police,” he added.

Let the law take its course

PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has also called for calm among Muslims on the socks issue.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that the issue would be dealt with according to the law.

“He also called for the issue not to be dragged further to the point that important work is neglected,” Nik Nazmi said in a statement, highlighting the apology tendered by KK Mart and the legal action taken against the business owner and the socks supplier.

The natural resources and environmental sustainability minister added that all quarters should allow the law to judge the individuals involved in the socks controversy, echoing Anwar’s words.

“I believe Ramadan is a suitable period for Muslims to show a good example of how to deal with the issue.

“We are all responsible for maintaining harmony among the races in the country. Extreme conduct in handling the matter may influence certain individuals to act in the same manner, such as throwing firebombs,” he cautioned.

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