PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has reminded netizens not to take matters into their own hands and act as vigilantes.
He said the government does not permit any party to take unilateral action in addressing any situation within the country.
He said Malaysians understand the principle of the country's legal sovereignty.
"If we allow them to take unilateral action, what will happen to the future of the country?
"Let the police carry out their duties and investigate the matter," he said after a media session, here.
He said this when asked to comment on the concerns raised by Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) who questioned why officials were left without action while ordinary and unidentified individuals were imprisoned for their comments on the socks issue.
In the statement, LFL director Zaid Malek referred to the imprisonment and fine imposed on Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) Act 1998 for posting Facebook content that offended feelings.
The controversy arose after images of socks, sold at KK Mart in Bandar Sunway, appeared on social media last Wednesday, sparking anger among the Muslim community and calls for a boycott.
Regarding the sock controversy, Saifuddin said the government does not want to prolong the issue as there are other matters to focus on.
He said everyone must move forward, and significant action has been taken regarding the issue of socks with the word "Allah" printed on them.
"The Government has never intervened in any police investigations related to the sale of these socks," he said.