KUALA LUMPUR: The "Allah" socks controversy should be seen as a lesson in restraint, says prominent activist Dr Chandra Muzaffar.
He said this was necessary to complement a "firm and fair attitude" in dealing with issues that can affect ethnic or religious ties.
"Issues like this cannot be resolved merely through the application of the law, which is still important," Chandra told the New Straits Times.
"What we can learn from this saga is the need for education and awareness, not just on racial and religious sensitivities but how we respond to them.
"It's important that people understand the need to be restrained in their reaction, to look at the facts of the matter before issuing statements."
Chandra said in the case of the "socks" issue, the founder of KK Mart, which sold the socks bearing the name "Allah" apologised for the matter.
The authorities also said they were taking action in accordance with the law, he said.
"So there was really no need for any party to add fuel to the fire or sensationalise the issue," he said.
"This is the lesson that we all must learn from this incident."
Chandra said all parties from political leaders and religious figures to the media and the public must be more sensible in their reaction.
He also welcomed the authorities' firmness in the matter, saying this was something the public would expect from them.
Earlier today, Federal Police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain warned all parties to "stand down" on the socks issue.
Chandra said it was also important the authorities act fairly in the matter and not give the impression of selective prosecution.
