The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has met with Vern’s founder, Ng Chuan Hoo, for the latter to clarify a logo printed on the soles of one of its shoe designs, which allegedly resembled Arabic writing for the word “Allah”.
In a statement today, Jakim director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said Vern’s had explained its position and apologised for causing unintended offence with the graphic printed on its shoes.
“The company had taken a drastic measure by immediately recalling that particular product from more than 70 of its branches nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak,” she said.
The statement came after Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said Jakim’s report is crucial to determine the police’s next course of action. However, the Islamic authority did not clarify whether the logo resembled the calligraphy of the word “Allah”.
Jakim also said it fully supports the investigation conducted by the police to determine whether there were any elements of ill intent in printing the logo on the footwear.
“Jakim wishes that such cases will not be repeated by either Vern’s or any other companies that manufacture products for sale,” she added.
A lesson for the future
Meanwhile, according to Bernama, Ng, who is also known as Ah Foo, 51, gave his statement to Jakim officials at 11am for almost an hour.
Ng said his company would give full cooperation to Jakim and the police in their investigation.
Acknowledging the matter may offend Muslims, he apologised and said the issue would be a lesson for the future.
“Ah Foo apologises on this issue, I learnt from this misunderstanding and will be more sensitive and careful in the future.
“In doing business, one has to be careful and respectful,” he said, repeatedly bowing his head.
Ng said when the issue arose, he ordered that the shoes be kept and not be sold in any of Vern’s outlets.
“Ah Foo kept giving instructions to keep them and not to sell again... the first step is respect,” he said.
Police liaising with Jakim on probe
Meanwhile, Razarudin said police are liaising with Jakim in its investigation into the latest controversy.
Yesterday, it was reported that Vern’s had clarified that a graphic on the soles of some of their footwear that has caused controversy, is a stylised heel.
This was after an uproar over parts of the strap in the design supposedly resembling Arabic calligraphy for the word “Allah”. The company said it did not intend to offend any religion.
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who led a boycott campaign against KK Mart, also commented on the Vern’s issue but later said he was satisfied with the shoemaker’s explanation.
Akmal, who was recently investigated by the police under the Sedition Act, had remained defiant and stood his ground despite advice from many powerful figures not to escalate the issue, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. - Mkini
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