Akmal: Vern's clarification on shoe design puts Muslims at ease

 

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has thanked local shoe company Vern's for clarifying that a controversial design element found on the sole of some of its footwear was that of a high heel, and not the word "Allah".

He said this had unravelled the misunderstanding over the logo.

"I wish to thank the company for their explanation which gives relief to all Muslims," he said on Facebook.

The allegations against Vern’s shoe appeared to have first surfaced on TikTok on March 23.

However, it caught wider attention on social media today after a couple posted about it on Facebook.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh

This sparked outrage and immediate calls to boycott the brand.

It also caught Akmal’s attention, who has been leading a boycott against KK Mart over socks that had the word “Allah” on them.

In his first post on the matter, Akmal said that while he was outraged at first, his research led him to a “logical” argument that the design was of a shoe and not the holy word.

“I read a posting that said it was a logo that depicted a high heel with its straps, and that is what I see too.

“There is logic in this, but whatever it may be, we urge Vern’s to issue an immediate clarification,” he said.

The Umno leader added that Muslims would not act wildly without checking things first, and would instead “husnuzon” (assume the best) first.

In a statement, Vern's clarified the design was based on the silhouette of a high heel with winding straps.

However, it said it could see how the design could be misinterpreted and apologised.

It has decided to take all footwear that has the logo on it off the shelves and is offering refunds to customers who have bought such shoes.

The controversy comes hot on the heels of ongoing outrage against KK Mart over the socks scandal.

The outrage has led to three firebombing attempts at KK Mart outlets in Perak, Pahang, and Sarawak.

This is despite the offending socks only being found in three outlets in Selangor.

Akmal has been adamant in calling for a boycott despite numerous calls for calm from various quarters, in light of KK Mart already being charged for deliberately hurting religious feelings.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said he had instructed the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to contact the shoe company tomorrow.

He asked those with any information to contact the authorities, including the police.

At the same time, Na’im called for calm and for the authorities including Jakim to be given space to investigate the matter.

Separately, Penang police confirmed with Malaysiakini that they have received a report on the matter.

Deputy Penang police chief Usuf Jan Mohamed said the report was lodged by a teacher who saw a post on the matter on social media.

An investigation paper has been opened under Section 298A of the Penal Code for insulting religion and under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. - Mkini