Malaysia’s king calls for unity amid fury over blasphemous socks — RT World News
The sale of clothes bearing the name “Allah” sparked anger in the Muslim-majority country
Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar advised members of the ruling coalition in the Legislative Council not to vote “extremist views” On issues related to race and religion in the wake of growing tensions caused by the sale of socks bearing the name “Allah”.
According to what the king posted on Facebook on Tuesday mailHe met with representatives of both the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to discuss current developments. “With regard to religious and racial sensitivity.”
Leaders of the Chinese-majority Democratic Progressive Party and UMNO have been at loggerheads after the latter's ongoing boycott of a supermarket chain where the offensive socks were sold.
The King warned UMNO and the Democratic Labor Party against inciting division, and urged: “As Hari Raya approaches, be tolerant of each other and turn over a new leaf.”
Hari Raya is a major festival celebrated by Muslims around the world, and symbolizes the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. This year, Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Eid on April 10.
About two-thirds of Malaysia's population of 34 million are Malay Muslims, with significant minorities of ethnic Chinese and people of Indian origin also practicing Islam.
Anger erupted across Malaysian social media late last month over photos of socks branded with “Allah” — the Arabic word for God — that were said to be sold at KK Mart, the country’s second-largest convenience store chain. The fact that KK Mart is a Malaysian-Chinese company, and that the socks are on sale during Ramadan, has added to the anger.
Public outrage led to three attempts to firebomb KK Mart outlets.
The chain's founder and his wife, as well as the company's director, were officially charged “Intentionally hurting… religious feelings.”
All defendants pleaded not guilty. The chain's executives have been released on bail, with a hearing set for April 29. If convicted, they could face up to a year in prison, a fine, or both.
KK Mart has previously apologized for the offensive socks, claiming it took immediate action to stop their sale. The company also filed a lawsuit against its suppliers, claiming sabotage and damage to its brand reputation.
Meanwhile, UMNO youth leader Akmal Salleh, who led the protest against KK Mart, said on Facebook following the meeting with the king that he would do so. “Warn them” Advice is in the interest of national reconciliation. But he did not specify whether he would stop calling for a boycott.
You can share this story on social media:
Source link
