GEORGE TOWN: A PKR leader has come to the defence of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh over the issue of a convenience store selling socks with the name of "Allah" printed on it.
This after Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming criticised Akmal for disregarding the "Madani spirit" in his response to the issue.
Nga advised Akmal to refrain from inciting religious and racial sentiments, describing such tactics as outdated, according to a media report.
However, PKR leadership council member Fahmi Zainol said Nga need not get involved in the issue.
"This matter is not about racial and religious sentiments but more than that. The sanctity of Allah's name is a duty for Muslims to protect and propagate it.
"If Nga understands about respecting the sanctity of each other's religion, he should not interfere in this matter as it will only worsen the situation in our country," he said today.
Fahmi, who is Pantai Jerejak assemblyman and a member of the PKR central committee, said rather than commenting on the issue, it would be better for Nga to focus on ministrial matters that he is responsible for.
He said Nga should just let the authorities handle the issue concerning the socks.
"This matter is not just about racial and religious sentiments but it is more than that.
"This has nothing to do with Nga. Why the rush to comment on this? Silence is better than speaking," he added.
Police have opened two investigation papers concerning the sale of socks with the name of "Allah" printed on them at the KK Mart store in Bandar Sunway.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said a total of 42 police reports were lodged nationwide regarding the case.
Previously, photos of the socks being sold at a KK Supermart in Bandar Sunway went viral, drawing criticism from social media users.
KK Mart Group has since issued a public apology amidst boycott calls of the chain.