Umno Youth chief Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh expressed discontent over KK Supermart Group's involvement in an overseas event during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Central Asia. Akmal, also the Merlimau assemblyman, voiced his belief that other Malaysian companies deserved the opportunity to expand internationally instead of KK Supermart. He argued that Malaysia boasts numerous superior stores such as 99 Speedmart, MyNews, 7-Eleven, and Ikhwan Mart, questioning why KK Supermart was selected. Akmal's sentiments were shared on Facebook with the hashtag #kekalboikot (keep boycotting), emphasizing his continued support for the boycott against KK Supermart.
The catalyst for Akmal's criticism was a screenshot showing KK Supermart founder Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan alongside Anwar at the event. The occasion marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KK Supermart and the Samarkand region in Uzbekistan, aimed at fostering economic activities. The MoU, inked on May 18, was witnessed by Anwar and Uzbekistan’s deputy prime minister, Jamshid Khodjaev, along with several Malaysian ministers.
The agreement entails KK Supermart's expansion into Uzbekistan and the introduction of Malaysian products there, alongside the establishment of a specialized store in Malaysia to showcase Uzbek goods, particularly fruits and agricultural products. Chai emphasized that the MoU sought to bolster ties and augment trade and investment between the two nations.
However, this collaboration unfolds amidst legal troubles for Chai and his wife, Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui, following the controversy sparked by KK Supermart's sale of socks bearing the word 'Allah'. The product incited backlash among Malaysian Muslims, leading to calls for a boycott and a series of petrol bomb attacks on three KK Supermart outlets. Chai and Loh pleaded not guilty to charges of intentionally hurting religious sentiments, with a potential maximum penalty of one year in jail, a fine, or both.
Furthermore, supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd and its directors face charges of abetting KK Supermart in the alleged offence, pleading not guilty as well.
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