GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should summon an emergency National Security Council meeting to discuss the spate of attacks on KK Mart outlets, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng said.
He said urgent measures should be adopted to prevent any escalation that would jeopardise peace and harmony in the multiethnic and multi-religious society.
"Despite royal reminders by both the king and the Sultan of Perak as well as stern warnings by the prime minister, home minister and top police officers, a third KK Mart outlet was attacked with a Molotov cocktail.
"The king has called on all parties to stop taking advantage of the issue, saying it should now be left to the authorities.
"The king commanded that he had already ordered actions to be taken, so there was no need to keep fueling anger.
"However the Umno Youth leader refuses to heed this royal reminder and continues with the call to boycott KK Mart outlets.
"This is irresponsible and unbecoming of a Melaka state government leader who is part of the unity government in Putrajaya," he said today.
Guan Eng said despite the denials of the Umno Youth leader of any political motivations and his condemnation of the attacks on KK Mart, the boycott had not stopped the violent attacks on KK Mart by unknown extremist elements.
He said the KK Mart owner had tearfully apologised for his oversight and faces criminal charges in court.
"What is concerning is that this time round, the KK Mart outlet attacked was in Sarawak, regarded as the most religiously tolerant state in Malaysia, famed for upholding unity in diversity as well as the home state of the KK Mart owner.
"No place is now safe in Malaysia from attacks on KK Mart outlets.
"Since the Umno national leadership has decided to back their Youth leader in his continued boycott action, the federal government must step in to prevent any fuelling of anger that may spiral dangerously out of control," he added.
It was reported yesterday that another KK Mart convenience store in Jalan Satok, Kuching, was hit by a Molotov cocktail attack the day before.
Kuching district police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahsmon Bajah confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that a report was lodged by a staff member on March 31.
In the incident, a carton of drinking water placed in front of the mart was set ablaze after the petrol bomb attack.
Police are actively tracking the suspect and the case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code (for committing mischief by fire or any explosive substance).
The attack on the store was the third of its kind after an attack at an outlet in Kuantan and another in Perak.
The convenience store chain recently was hit with calls for a boycott after images showing a pair of socks bearing the word "Allah" were allegedly sold at a KK Super Mart shop in Bandar Sunway.
The incident triggered a frenzied reaction among various quarters.