Have some of us gone too far with boycotts, regardless of the brandings?
While boycotters have their reasons to do so, Penang Mufti, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Salim Wan Mohd. Noor said excessive boycotts would not only jeopardise businesses but also the image and perceptions towards us, according to a report.
“It’ll only show how obsessed and envious you are,” Wan Salim said recently.
Is boycott even acceptable or necessary in the 1st place?
According to Wan Salim, a boycott is acceptable when an organisation or a premise clearly shows signs of insult toward Islam but it has to be done MODERATELY, enough to show a sign of protest.
“Excessive boycott is not encouraged. Islam has never taught its believers to go extreme, even in the name of religion.”
Tolerance and understanding are equally important
In the meantime, Dr Wan Salim highlighted the importance of tolerance and understanding between one another, especially when it comes to multicultural and pluralistic society like in Malaysia.
“In today’s global world, living together among fellow citizens of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures is a reality that must be acknowledged. This is where understanding and tolerance are very important.”
Wan Salim said this is where sanity and wisdom in managing diversity play an important role.
“This is to avoid tension that can lead to fights which are harmful to everyone.”
Wan Salim expressed his take on excessive boycotting after being asked to comment on posts on social media that compared customers to dogs and pigs when enjoying food at a fast food restaurant.
“Diversity should benefit all parties, instead of being used as a reason for mutual hatred.”
When an unwanted or unpleasant incident happens, Wan Salim advises everyone to deal with the issue wisely through negotiations not by giving an extreme or irrational reaction.
What do you think of the boycott movement in Malaysia?
