‘Let justice prevail in controversial case’

Malaysians are urged to allow the authorities to handle the controversial socks issue instead of escalating tensions, according to civil society activists and moderation advocates. They believe that any action taken against Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh by the authorities should be supported.

G25 member Tawfik Ismail mentioned that the authorities made a timely decision to act against Dr Muhamad Akmal to uphold peace in the country. Tawfik highlighted that Dr Muhamad Akmal had been ignoring calls to end the controversy and had even dared the authorities to arrest him.

Tawfik emphasized the importance of letting the law take its course and suggested that authorities should also monitor Dr Muhamad Akmal’s supporters to prevent any potential escalation of the situation. National Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye agreed, stating that the authorities play a crucial role in maintaining harmony, safety, and security.

Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy proposed a new standard operating procedure to address similar issues in the future, suggesting that business owners should be held accountable for offensive materials before they go viral on social media. Anas emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from escalating and diverting attention from more important matters.

Aizat Shamsuddin from Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.my) welcomed Dr Muhamad Akmal’s questioning by the police as a positive step in combating extremism. He stressed the importance of holding extremists accountable for disrupting harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society.

Hindu-based NGO Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram adviser Datuk V. Nadarajan called for reconciliation among parties involved in the socks issue and urged Dr Muhamad Akmal to be the first to end the protest. Nadarajan emphasized the need to maintain peace and harmony among Malaysians and denounced any actions that seek to sow discord for personal gain.

The management of KK Super Mart issued a public apology for the incident, and the founder and chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan, along with his wife, were charged under the Penal Code for causing offense to Muslims. The situation is still unfolding, with calls for moderation and peace prevailing among various groups.