“Guilty until proven innocent - or innocent until proven guilty?”
With the furore over "Allah" inscriptions on socks and shoe soles, still raging in this country, isn't it time for the Madani government to find a permanent solution to the problem? After all, it's almost certain that this sorry saga will keep popping up over and over again, exacerbating the racial polarisation situation here!
In fact, recently, national journalism laureate Kadir Jasin had commented that the time may have come for the government of the day to teach and enhance the understanding of non-Muslims – especially the business community – about Islam and the sensitivities of Muslims.
However, he stressed that blaming non-Muslims completely is not possible if the government itself does not provide education and guidance, before going on to lament the fact that even many (new generation) Malays are incapable of writing the word Allah in Jawi!
He added that as such, even Muslims have to be educated as admittedly some don’t know much about the sensitivity of people of other faiths; nevertheless, on the issue of whether to boycott or not, he contended that it was the right of each consumer though he made it clear that incitement and violence should never be used.
However, “incitement” does seem to be the name of the game these days especially on social media. Sadly, though, those who do it appear to totally disregard the colossal damage caused to society by their reckless actions.
Moreover, one wonders, how many actually do it “purely” to defend the sanctity of their faith without any other agenda? If yes, wouldn't they report it directly to the relevant authorities so that their religion is not exposed to shame and ridicule?
Meanwhile, last Monday (April 8) the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) did warn the public that action could be taken on those who are found to have uploaded, shared or spread social media content that touches on sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty (3R) which could incite tension among the races.
It also went on to urge such sensitive cases to be reported directly to the authorities including the police or to the commission via the link https://aduan.mcmc.gov.my, for further action.
Yet, what many will be asking is, if the country’s communication minister Fahmi Fadzil was really serious with his warning, how come no action has been taken so far against those who have been guilty of inciting hatred among the people by spreading provocative 3R-related posts and images - including the socks and the shoes?
For context, the “Allah” word controversy was first sparked by a local Chinese Muslim-convert preacher who had shared the image of socks with Allah inscription imprinted on it via his social media platform, drawing fierce backlash from Muslims around the country.
The blame was then put squarely on local convenience store chain KK Super Mart where the socks were displayed - which then became the target of a brutal nationwide boycott initiated by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh. Incidentally, all this was even before the true culprits, or possibly even saboteurs, had been identified and charged!
Subsequently, another similar case was exposed and became viral after a local shoe company “Vent’s” was lambasted for having a design on their shoe sole resembling the word “Allah!”
However, it was later confirmed by local Jawi khat experts that it did not match the actual Allah inscription. Nevertheless, the non-Malay owner of the business had to apologise profusely for so-called “design flaws” though he did not violate any local laws!
But what must have shocked some was that the business owner actually had to be answerable to the Islamic development department (Jakim) even though he wasn’t a Muslim!
Ironically, it was the vocal opposition MP from Bersatu Wan Ahmad Fayhsal who seemed to show more common sense than most Madani government ministers when he slammed the controversy over the shoe sole and branded it “silly"; he further stressed that things were getting ridiculous and was making Islam look very petty and bad.
Admittedly, although it's a must that everyone should be considerate towards the sensitivities of Muslims, however since the whole issue had become nothing short of farcical, isn’t it high time, the existing Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is enforced more robustly - instead of the minister just dishing out endless warnings but taking no action?
In fact, the ministry’s firm and swift action is also vital to preserve racial harmony in this country before more “innocent” non-Muslim business owners are unfairly hauled up to face Jakim!
Like it or not, it would appear as if now, anyone could end up being humiliated and punished for disrespecting the “Allah” word - even before being charged and found guilty by the courts! Don't believe? Try asking the owners of KK Super Mart and Vern's Holdings!
Information Source: Focus Malaysia, The Vibes and Star
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