NIBONG TEBAL: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged all quarters to abide by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's decree on the 'Allah' socks issue.
He said the matter should be resolved in the best possible way so as to avoid from any issue, as it might be used by some to link it with the 3Rs (religion, royal, race).
"Don't go overboard in this issue.
"I am optimistic that everyone will abide by His Majesty's decree," he told newsmen during the Santunan Kasih Ramadan event held at Masjid Al-Amin Simpang Tiga here.
In this situation, Ahmad Zahid felt that all quarters should no longer discuss any sensitive issues.
"In this issue, many felt that an apology had been made by the company in question and we considered that they did not know about the matter. Also, they had no intention.
"Investigations also revealed the socks were imported from China and not made by the manufacturer here.
"This is a costly lesson (to those involved)," he added.
He was asked to comment on calls for the issue to be toned down.
Yesterday, His Majesty expressed his displeasure and sadness that socks with the word 'Allah' were sold at a convenience store chain.
He reminded all segments of society to uphold national harmony and refrain from exploiting sensitive issues related to religion, ethnicity, and royalty.
Yesterday, DAP secretary general Anthony Loke said political leaders should always build bridges and lead society in a harmonious way.
He said the issue should be handled in a better way instead of the manner it was being managed now.
On Saturday, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh issued an ultimatum to the management of KK Super Mart to put-up a banner at all 881 branches of the convenience store nationwide to apologise for the sale of the socks.
He warned that the wing would initiate a stronger boycott against KK Super Mart in the event the management of the convenience store failed to submit to its demands within two days.
KK Mart Supermart issued an apology last week after its Bandar Sunway branch was found to be selling the socks.
