KUCHING, March 27: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has urged Umno Youth chief Mohd Akmal Saleh to move past the controversial ‘Allah socks’ issue and focus on national unity for the betterment of the country, especially in economic progress and development, as nothing positive will emerge out of action wrapped in spite, anger and revenge.
SUPP secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting emphasised this in expressing concerns over the sock controversy, which has not only garnered widespread negative publicity locally and abroad, but has also led to recent violent vigilante actions, including a petrol bomb attack on KK Mart oulet in Perak.
“Akmal has made his point. The people heard him. It is time to get over this unfortunate incident and move on to help in the nation’s progress and development.
“It is an opportune time for Umno Youth to help unite the people as we need a united force to weather the difficult economic storms currently facing the nation,” he said in a statement today.
Ting pointed out that Umno is an important partner in the unity government, and with that recognition, SUPP expects the party to play its crucial role in ensuring political stability and progress in the country.
While acknowledging the necessity for punitive action against wrongdoers, as has already been taken, the Deputy Minister of Tourism stressed it is vital to understand that any crimes committed must be dealt according to the laws of the country and not through public wrath.
Ting expressed concern over vigilante actions taken by some quarters against two citizens, which resulted in them receiving heavy fines and jail sentences, and regrettably, the two men were not represented by legal counsel in court.
Akmal and Umno Youth have been championing the media attacks and have called for Malay-Muslims to boycott KK Mart after socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ were found to be sold at an outlet in Bandar Sunway was viralled on social media.
Despite condemning the petrol bomb attack at the Perak’s outlet and the death threat he claimed to have received, Akmal however emphasised he will not budge from the boycott campaign. — DayakDaily
