Emotions must be controlled in a multireligious and multiracial country, civil society group G25 says of the controversial socks issue.
“This is especially important in incidents that may threaten the peace and stability of the country.
”When such issues arise, it is up to the government to take the lead and be quick to reassure the public that the issue will be investigated and addressed appropriately.
“As we saw in this case…(there were) threats to workers’ livelihoods, safety and reputation despite the apology by the KK Super Mart (chain),” it said in a statement on Sunday (March 24).
The group welcomed the statement by Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor, calling for restraint in commenting on the incident.
“Whoever is the culprit, the incident has unfortunately resulted in repercussions of disproportionate magnitude and with a racial slant.
“Malaysians must heed the advice of the Mufti of Penang that non-Muslim businesses being boycotted is ‘overboard and against Islamic teachings’,” G25 added.
It urged that the matter is left in the hands of the police while it conducts its investigation, without politicians and the public intervening with irresponsible comments.
The group added that it abhors mob justice, especially in the cases of Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang, who were unlawfully intimidated by vigilante groups over comments they made online.
“It is not the job of the vigilante groups to do what they did; we have the law and the enforcement authorities,” G25 said, calling for swift action to be taken against those who took the law into their own hands.
G25 also expressed disappointment that both Chiok and Cagampang were brought to court without legal representation.
“The very sensitivity of the matter makes it all the more necessary that the accused persons have the full protection of the law,” it said.
Meanwhile, Aliran has urged party leaders to rein in members who are inciting hatred as a reaction to the controversy over socks printed with the word Allah.
The reform movement called on the government to take immediate and decisive action on the issue to quell growing anxiety and uncontrolled anger among the public.
It also expressed concern over reactions to the matter possibly escalating and creating dangerous ethnic and religious divisions.
“Tempers flared on social media with postings calling for harsher punishment, such as a boycott of the (convenience store) chain (KK Mart), and even using expressions that we fear could lead to physical harm.
“It does not help that certain politicians are using this issue as a convenient tool to gain political advantage, exploiting the volatile mix of race and religion surrounding it.
“Note that those stoking and inciting hatred include politicians from within the ‘unity government’. These irresponsible members must be reined in by their party leaders swiftly,” it said in a statement yesterday.
Aliran added that it was troubled by the emergence of vigilantism.
“The emergence of vigilantism is also deeply troubling. Certain individuals claiming to defend the sanctity of Islam have taken the law into their own hands.
“A number of irate men even harassed and intimidated those they felt had made objectionable remarks.
“If left uncontrolled, this phenomenon could lead to chaos,” it said.
KK Mart’s apology over the matter is appreciated but has not appeased those who are intent on going after it, Aliran said.