“Stand down, Akmal. You’ve made your point, you’ve done well, but it’s time to stand your guys down.”
In his recent podcast, Khairy Jamaluddin sent a friendly reminder to a politician who has been actively voicing out his anger at KK Mart over the “Allah socks” issue recently. KJ clarified that he has never blamed the leader of UMNO Youth, Akmal for expressing his anger over the controversy, but he merely wanted Akmal (and everyone) to take a step back and reflect,
“Are we going too far with this? Are we exceeding the limit?”
“We leave it for the consumers to decide”
In the podcast, KJ also clarified that asking Akmal to stand down in his criticisms does not mean that he is on board with any actions that are deemed defamation or insult against any religion. To him, Muslim consumers have the right to be angry at this issue but there’s something else for everyone to ponder about.
“The factory’s license has been cancelled by the City Council. I’m not taking this matter lightly but I should remind everyone that only 13 outlets of KK Mart out of 800 branches in Malaysia were involved.”
KJ’s partner in the podcast, Shahril also took the opportunity to remind everyone to reflect on the criticisms.
“Are you doing this to protect your religion, or for your own ego?”
KJ then added,
“Datuk Seri KK Chai (founder) has apologised like a Japanese executive. Legal action is underway. As Muslims, it’s time for us to take a step back.”
The former Minister of Health also assured Akmal that he had made his point and with the actions from the authorities, it’s wise for us to cease all actions and leave the decision to the consumers.
“We leave it to the consumers to decide if they still want to go to the mart.”
KJ voiced out his concern about the consequences if no one stands down and gets too carried away, citing “complicating the situations” as the possible outcome.
“Stand down doesn’t mean you’re giving up. Take the advice from me, the former Youth Leader.” KJ said.
You can watch and listen to the podcast below about the controversy, beginning from the mark 33:20 until 55:10, where KJ also questions the PM for staying silence in this matter.
With Datuk KK Chai’s public apology and actions that had been taken on the factory that packaged the Allah socks, do you think it’s time for us to stand down? What do you think of KJ’s take on this matter?
