Politicians must embrace true principles of Islam, says SIS

 

Rights group Sisters in Islam says the printing of the name ‘Allah’ on socks is disrespectful to Muslims but only ‘a terrible oversight of the convenience store chain involved’.

PETALING JAYA: Sisters in Islam (SIS) has urged political leaders to embrace the “true principles of Islam” amid the controversy over the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.

The rights group said certain politicians had exploited the issue to depict themselves as champions of Islam, but claimed that their “version” of Islam contradicts the religion’s “true essence of inclusivity, peace and justice”.

“While the act of printing the name ‘Allah’ on a sock is unquestionably disrespectful to Muslims, it is but a terrible oversight of the convenience store chain involved.

“Malaysia’s redemption lies in embracing the true principles of Islam – justice, fairness, and compassion. Our leaders must heed this call, steering the nation towards a future where diversity is celebrated and harmony prevails.

“It is time for Malaysia to reclaim its identity as a bastion of multiculturalism and tolerance, rejecting the divisive ideologies and self-serving politicians that threaten to tear apart the very fabric of our society,” it said in a statement.

The controversy had led to criminal charges being filed against KK Mart founder Chai Kee Kan and director Loh Siew Mui, as well as the owner and two officers from Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, the Batu Pahat-based vendor which supplied the outlets with the socks.

All five claimed trial to the charges.

KK Mart itself has become the subject of a public boycott campaign led by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who received the backing of his party’s Supreme Council.

SIS also said that the emergence of vigilantes purporting to protect Islam amid the sock controversy was a dangerous precedent for religious extremism.

It also criticised the authorities for “appearing lethargic in their response” to these groups.

The women’s rights group added that the situation was not helped by the opportunistic exploitation of the issue by some politicians, which it said “fuelled a dangerous lynch-mob mentality”.

“It is imperative that the rantings of faceless individuals on social media not be used as a pretext for vigilantism, for such actions only serve to tear at the very fabric of our society.” - FMT