KUALA LUMPUR: The Alliance for A Safe Community chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, has called for public stand down over the "Allah" socks controversy, urging the people to heed the King's plea to cease exploiting the issue.
Lee emphasised the importance of respecting Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia's call, particularly urging those who seek to exploit the matter to desist their agendas.
"It's time to put the socks issue to rest and entrust the authorities, including the courts, to handle it appropriately.
"However, it's crucial for everyone to understand that prolonging or exploiting this issue will not benefit anyone. Instead, our focus should be on contributing to the improvement of the economy," he told the New Straits Times.
Previously, Sultan Ibrahim urged all parties to refrain from exploiting the "Allah" socks issue.
()
His Majesty said all parties should learn from the incident and strive to strengthen unity.
Lee, a former Bukit Bintang member of parliament and social activist, added that the public needs to uphold the essence of Rukun Negara to ensure unity and harmony in the country.
"Respect for one another is essential, particularly respect for each other's religion. This is key to ensuring harmony and peace in the country.
"Continuing to exploit the issue will not benefit anyone, nor will it help the country. It will only cause more harm. What has happened should serve as a lesson for all."
Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain has also warned all parties to stop prolonging the socks issue.
On March 13, social media was abuzz due to images showing a pair of socks bearing the word "Allah" allegedly being sold at a KK Mart shop in Bandar Sunway.
KK Mart Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr K.K. Chai, in an immediate response, issued a public apology.
The authorities have taken action, including seizing the socks and charging Chai and his wife, a director of KK Mart, for "wounding religious feelings" over the incident. They have pleaded not guilty.