There is no need for any escalation or excessive threats on the KK Mart controversy as it is not productive and will only serve to divide our multicultural society even further and possibly even hurt the local economy, said Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii.
In a statement last night, he warned that such an escalation would even impact local workers of all races and backgrounds.
“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 parties, addressing the misunderstanding and sensitivities of all parties,” said Yii (above).
He added that the misunderstanding started through miscommunication between the supplier and the owner, as the owner wasn’t even aware that the socks sent to his shops were designed that way.
“Upon realising the matter, he took immediate steps to rectify the matter, including making a public apology and further steps to allay the concerns and misunderstanding.
“The fact of the matter is that 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 integrate and 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,” said Yii, who is also DAP Youth chief.
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.
Former Umno minister Zaid Ibrahim also questioned Akmal’s stance.
“I don’t know how they pick Umno Youth leaders nowadays. It appears to me that the leader has to be able to harass and make unreasonable demands to show that Umno is a party of struggle,” he said on X.
Zaid called on Umno Youth to think the matter through, saying that making threats smacked of “bullying and humiliating” tactics.
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 any 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 uploaded on Facebook.
Akmal also called for the company to hang a banner apologising about the incident at each of its 881 branches nationwide. - Mkini
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