Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked all parties not to prolong the issue of the socks with the word “Allah” written on it at a chain convenience store, including through boycotting the brand.
According to a report by Berita Harian, he said the extension of this issue, including the matter of different opinions and hostility, will further divert the focus of the country from moving forwards and improving.
“When it comes to differences of opinion, enmity arises, there is no need (to exaggerate). In the case of the socks, I have already told them (the authorities) to investigate and if they are found guilty, they will be held and prosecuted, and we can close the book and move forward,”
“Don’t spend weeks trying to be a hero, until work is not being done, there are no conservations on digital matters, the country is not being developed (because) we are busy fighting for weeks about 1 topic which is (the issue of) the socks. When we’re done with (the issue of) the socks, it’s about canteens,” he said, referring to the debate about whether school canteens should remain open during Ramadan for non-Muslim students.
He went on to urge the general public to allow the authorities to do their jobs, and not become their own judge, jury and executioners.
“I don’t mean to belittle (the issue of the socks) because it is absolutely not allowed for anyone to insult religions, not to mention Islam is the (official) religion of the Federation. And if this happens, I have ordered for arrests, prosecution and the judge will make a decision,”
“But the country can’t be dragged out, don’t blame everyone by ostracizing and boycotting all shops. The one who investigates should be the police, the ones who will prosecute is the Attorney General’s Department and the ones who will punish is the court. Let’s not be investigators, prosecutors and judges,” he added.
While it is understandable to feel angry, we are bound by the law to allow the authorities to do their jobs instead of taking action ourselves.
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Also read: M’sian Vendor Hangs Apology Banner Outside Factory Over ‘Allah’ Socks Controversy
