KUALA LUMPUR: Two ministers have urged all parties to heed the decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and stop playing up the “Allah on socks” issue.
“For those who are Muslim and Malay, the Agong’s position is a very high level ... for me to disobey the order and deliberately interpret (His Majesty’s order) in another way is not appropriate,” said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil as reported by Bernama.
Fahmi said this when asked about the actions of Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who continues to campaign for a boycott of KK Super Mart, even after it had apologised and pulled the socks from their shelves.
KK Super Mart’s founder, directors and the firm who had supplied the socks to the convenience store chain have also been charged in court.
Sultan Ibrahim, meanwhile, has decreed that no one should use the issue to incite the people.
But when asked about Sultan Ibrahim’s decree on April 3, Dr Muhamad Akmal had reportedly said: “Did the Agong forbid boycotts?”
Fahmi’s Cabinet colleague, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said Dr Muhamad Akmal’s use of the episode for political capital has triggered extreme behaviour.
“His (Dr Muhamad Akmal’s) aggressive attitude towards this issue has invited extreme behaviour from some individuals –including the incidences of Molotov cocktails thrown at several KK Super Mart stores” said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister.
“Yes, KK Super Mart’s actions have hurt the hearts of Muslims but they have made an official apology and explained what happened,” Nik Nazmi said on Wednesday in a post on X.
Dr Muhamad Akmal’s exploitation of the issue will not benefit anyone said Nik Nazmi, who is also PKR vice-president.
“My advice to him (Dr Muhamad Akmal) is that the desire to introduce oneself to the political arena with issues like this will not last long, look for issues that are critical and beneficial to the people,” he said.
KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan was also granted an audience with Sultan Ibrahim in which the former apologised to the King and the Muslim community, Nik Nazmi said.
“Using religious sentiments to inflame anger, causing discontent among the people when several violent incidents have already occurred, is an action that benefits no one,” he said adding that Islam was a religion that upheld justice, but emphasised kindness.
“As leaders, we cannot continue to incite the people,” he said.
Potential threat to peace
IN the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia’s multiracial society, where a rich medley of cultures, languages and religions coexist in harmony, a concerning trend has emerged among some political figures.
The exploitation of religious sensitivity to garner support is not just a breach of ethical conduct but also a potential threat to the nation’s peace and unity. As this practice grows more prevalent, it becomes imperative to understand why such tactics are detrimental to Malaysia’s foundational values, and what can be done to foster a more inclusive political discourse.
Malaysia, home to Malays, Chinese, Indians and various indigenous peoples, is celebrated globally for its multiculturalism. This diversity is mirrored in its religious landscape, where Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and traditional beliefs are practised freely. However, this harmony is contingent upon mutual respect and understanding.
The recent strategy by some politicians to exploit religious sensitivities is not only divisive but also undermines the social fabric that has been carefully woven over generations. By inflaming religious sentiments for political gain, these individuals risk creating rifts among communities that have lived side by side for centuries.
The consequences of such actions are manifold. Firstly, it distracts from the pressing issues facing Malaysia today, such as economic recovery, educational reform and environmental sustainability. Political discourse becomes mired in religious controversy rather than focusing on policies that would benefit all Malaysians regardless of their faith.
The exploitation of religion in politics breeds intolerance and bigotry. Young Malaysians growing up in an environment where religious sensitivity is a tool for political mobilisation may develop skewed perceptions of their fellow citizens, seeing them through the prism of religious differences rather than shared national identity.
Moreover, Malaysia’s standing on the global stage could be tarnished. In an era where inclusivity and human rights are increasingly valued, international partners may view such divisive tactics with concern, potentially impacting diplomatic and economic relations.
What is the way forward? Politicians and leaders across the spectrum must recognise the long-term damage that exploiting religious sensitivities can cause. It is their responsibility to foster a political climate where debates and discussions are centred around policies and visions for the country’s future, not religious or racial differences.
Civil society also plays a crucial role. By promoting dialogue and understanding among Malaysia’s diverse communities, these organisations can help bridge gaps and dispel misconceptions.
Education is equally vital, with schools and universities providing a space for young Malaysians to learn about and appreciate the nation’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions.
The misuse of religious sensitivity for political ends is a path fraught with peril for Malaysia. As a nation that prides itself on its diversity, it is essential to reject such divisive tactics and work towards a more inclusive and united future. Let the political discourse be one that unites rather than divides, reflecting the true spirit of Malaysia – a country where diversity is not just tolerated but also celebrated.
- THANESH TAMALMANI Banting, Selangor
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