‘King of Boycott’ congratulates authorities on acquittal of KK Mart founder but warns “rakyat knows how to judge”

 

THERE was no fiery reaction this time around from UMNO Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to the Shah Alam Sessions Court verdict to discharge and acquit KK Super Mart founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui over the charge of intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others.

In a very composed tone, the Merlimau state assemblyman contended the latest development in four short and sweet lines:

The prosecution did not want to proceed with the charges.

The director was released and acquitted.

Congratulations and many congratulations.

But the people can judge.

Even if there is a tinge of sarcasm, this definitely paled in comparison to his rage at the height of his blanket boycott campaign whereby he mobilised UMNO Youth across all states to lodge police report to commence investigation into sale of socks bearing the “Allah” inscription.

In a manner many described as ‘thuggish’ thus earning him the moniker of ‘King of Boycott’, Akmal had also demanded all 881 outlets of the 24-hour convenience store hoist apology banners despite the KK Mart management having issued a public apology for its oversight.

Recall that Akmal had also given KK Mart merely two days to comply with his demand lest his rally would turn into a “full blown boycott”.

“We can’t let the matter rest merely with the shedding of tears … we must teach the culprits a lesson, hence our demand for the apology banner to be hoisted at all of KK Mart’s 881 outlets, otherwise we’ll initiate a more forceful boycott,” he pointed out in a TikTok video uploaded on March 16.

Whether the past can be easily forgotten, the fact is that justice would probably have been served today (July 15) whereby apart from Chai and his wife having been discharged and acquitted, the Shah Alam Sessions Court has further fined KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd and its supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd RM60,000 each over the controversial “Allah” socks issue.

Additionally, the court had also acquitted and discharged three officers from Xin Jian Chang, namely Soh Chin Huat, 61; Goh Li Huay, 62; and Soh Hui San, 36, who supplied the socks to KK Mart.

However, Sessions Court Judge Muhamad Anas Mahadzir meted out fines on the two companies after their representatives, KK Mart general manager Tee Kok Hiem, 61, and Xin Jian Chang director Soh Hui San, 36, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Following three incidences of Molotov cocktail bombing at KK Mart outlets which even Akmal had ‘washed his hands clean’ as the chief perpetrator, Malaysians have to thank His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia for the initiative to call for a truce.

According to a Facebook post by Sultan Ibrahim back then, the face-to-face session which also involved UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan and the party’s Melaka liaison chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh as well as DAP’s deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong was focused on current developments related to religious and racial sensitivity issues.

“I would like to advise all parties to focus on inviting the people towards unity instead of dividing them. I want to see the people united in harmony,” asserted Sultan Ibrahim.

“I hope that political leaders are not extreme in giving views on religious and racial issues. Not only UMNO and DAP but also all parties. Leaders must act as the bridge or link between the plural society in our country with exemplary matured behaviour.”

That meeting would probably have a profound effect on the Russian-trained medical doctor-turned-politician till he has been able to put his unruly past behind him. – Focus Malaysia