JOHOR BARU: Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has condemned the action of MCA secretary general Datuk Chong Sin Woon for downplaying the issue of socks bearing the word 'Allah' being sold at KK Mart outlets.
Mohd Puad criticised Chong for seemingly trying to act as a defender of KK Mart, whereas the issue at hand is significant and deeply hurts the feelings of Muslims.
He said MCA should reprimand the negligence of KK Mart instead of being perceived as blindly defending it, thus disrespecting the purchasing power of Muslim consumers in the country.
"This is not about blowing things out of proportion. This is a religious matter. It insults Muslims. Muslims are the main customers of KK Mart.
"Chong's claim that boycotting KK Mart is reckless adds insult to injury for Muslim consumers. What does the MCA secretary general mean by suggesting that boycotting will make the country a victim? What would be worse, a riot or a boycott?
"At least there have been no KK Mart stores burned down as seen in other countries when religious sensitivities are not respected," he said in a statement posted on Facebook today.
Yesterday, Chong was reported to have urged UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh not to escalate the issue of the socks bearing the word 'Allah' sold at KK Mart.
Chong was quoted as saying that Dr Muhammad Akmal should not demand for Muslims to boycott the convenience store chain as such reckless actions would only harm the nation.
Yesterday, the media reported that UMNO Youth is giving a two-day ultimatum to the management of KK Mart to put up banners in all 881 branches nationwide to apologise for the sale of the socks.
Dr Muhamad Akmal was quoted as warning UMNO Youth would intensify the boycott against KK Mart if the convenience store management failed to comply with the movement's demands.
In a social media post today, Dr Muhamad Akmal reiterated UMNO Youth's campaign to boycott KK Mart by urging the public to check if the convenience store management had issued the requested apology statement.
On March 13, social media buzzed with news of socks bearing the word 'Allah' being sold at KK Mart Bandar Sunway, after users uploaded pictures of the product.
Last Wednesday, KK Super Mart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Super Mart) issued an apology regarding the sale of Miranosock brand socks featuring the word 'Allah' at several of its convenience store branches.
The company stated that sales of the concerned socks had been immediately halted pending an explanation from the supplier.
The convenience store chain's operators also appealed to consumers not to boycott their business.