AYER KEROH: Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, described Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh's actions regarding the controversy surrounding socks bearing the word Allah as representing the voice of the Malay community in defending Islam in the country.
He said that Dr Akmal undoubtedly has strong grounds for doing so to ensure the sanctity of Islam and the dignity of the Malays can be preserved as a whole.
According to him, the issue of socks bearing the word Allah should not be viewed from a political perspective but rather as a religious issue.
"The political matter does not change our stance on religion. We can work together in politics and can jointly build a good country, but this religious matter is very sensitive.
"It should be seen by all parties so that the sensitivity of the Malay people and Muslims' hearts is not hurt again.
"Everyone knows that the word Allah is held in high esteem among Muslims, so when it is placed on socks worn on the feet, not only Muslims in Melaka but throughout the country will feel offended and hurt.
"Therefore, Dr Akmal's firmness represents the Malays and voices the sentiments of Muslims considering this matter should not have occurred because we have agreed in the social context to respect each other's religious rights," he said.
He was met after delivering Ramadan contributions and breaking fast at the district level in Central Melaka at Masjid Al-Alami, Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), here, this evening.
Ab Rauf, who is also the UMNO state liaison body chairman, said the controversy that arose also needs to be pragmatically resolved and not taken lightly by any party to ensure it does not recur.
"This should not happen in our country because we have agreed in the social context to mutually respect each other, and this awareness must be enhanced.
"When the word Allah is not placed in the right place, it does hurt the feelings of Muslims because this religious matter is very sensitive," he said.
Previously, Dr Akmal, who is also the Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Merlimau and Melaka Exco, launched a campaign to boycott KK Mart supermarkets following the sale of socks bearing the word Allah.
This move drew reactions from several DAP leaders, including DAP Secretary-General, Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
Dr Akmal was reported to remain steadfast in his demand despite pressure from government coalition allies not to boycott KK Mart over the sock controversy.
The Jasin UMNO division chief also firmly stated that he did not need DAP's approval to defend the sanctity of Islam.
