In a bid to address the recent "Allah" socks controversy, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan, the founder and executive chairman of the KK Mart Group. This meeting, which took place at Istana Negara, aimed to reconcile the fallout from the sales of socks bearing the word "Allah" at KK Super Mart outlets.
During the 15-minute meeting, Chai, affectionately known as KK Chai, extended his apologies to Sultan Ibrahim for the controversy sparked by the sale of the contentious socks last month. The incident had caused a stir among Muslims, prompting Chai to seek forgiveness from His Majesty and the Muslim community at large.
Expressing his concern over the matter, Sultan Ibrahim urged all parties, including KK Mart, to exercise greater caution in selecting the products sold in their outlets, particularly imported goods. The King emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, emphasizing the importance of responsibility among all stakeholders.
In a statement released by the Royal Press Office (RPO) on Sultan Ibrahim's official social media, His Majesty stressed the need for all parties to avoid exploiting the situation. He cautioned against inciting the public and expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the issue, stating, "I do not want this issue to prolong any further."
The controversy surrounding KK Super Mart began on March 13 when images of socks bearing the word "Allah" were circulated on social media. Despite the company's management issuing an apology, the situation escalated, leading to a nationwide boycott called by Umno Youth chief Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Sultan Ibrahim had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the controversy on March 27, calling for strict action against those responsible. However, tensions escalated further when a third KK Super Mart outlet was firebombed on Monday, following similar incidents in Bidor, Tapah on March 26, and Sungai Isap, Kuantan on March 29. These incidents were believed to be linked to the earlier "Allah" printed socks controversy.
In a recent development, Chai and his wife were charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code for deliberately hurting the religious feelings of others. Both pleaded not guilty and are currently awaiting further legal proceedings.
The meeting between Sultan Ibrahim and KK Chai reflects a crucial step towards addressing the sensitivities surrounding the "Allah" socks controversy. It underscores the importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering harmony within Malaysia's diverse society.
Reference: KK Mart founder apologises to King for 'Allah' socks controversy | Malay Mail
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