Douse the fire over issue, urge moderation advocates

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: Prominent moderate figures have called for the socks issue to be put to bed after KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan sought forgiveness and apologised to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and the Muslim community.

Malay moderate group G25 member Tawfik Ismail said His Majesty's decree for the matter not to be prolonged should be respected and upheld by all.

"The KK Super Mart founder did the right thing, having an audience with His Majesty as guardian of religion and customs," he said when contacted.

Tawfik was also of the opinion that political parties should put out the "fire" on social media.

Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said he hoped the move by the KK Super Mart founder to seek forgiveness and apologise would calm the situation.

"It also sends a strong message for all parties to respect Islam as the religion of the federation and at the same time, ensure racial unity is preserved," he said.

National Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he was hopeful that the audience granted by Sultan Ibrahim to Chai would put an end to the issue.Lee also called for all Malaysians to learn from the issue which highlighted the need to be aware of each other's sensitivities.

"Let us have mutual respect and be guided by the principles of the Rukun Negara," he added.

Moderation activist Anas Zubedy said he hoped Malaysians would not use religious sentiments for political gain and build animosity among races.

"Religion should be used to create peace and get people to be united," he said.

Anas also suggested that if a similar incident happens in the future, it should be dealt with carefully and immediately.