KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has told Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh to ease off on the "Allah" socks issue and instead, focus on critical matters that benefit the people.
He said Akmal's aggressive stance on this matter had triggered extreme reactions from some individuals, as evident in the petrol-bombing of several KK Mart outlets in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
"Akmal should heed the advice of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and stop using this issue as a political tool.
"Continuously exploiting this issue will not benefit anyone," he said in his X post today.
Nik Nazmi said that the desire to introduce oneself into the political arena with sensitive issues would only create a temporary sensation.
"Using religious sentiments to inflame anger, causing discontent among the people when several violent incidents have already occurred, is an action that benefits no one.
"As leaders, we cannot continue to incite the people. And when incidents occur, we should not wash our hands of responsibility without humility and a willingness to self-reflect," said Nik Nazmi.
The Umno leadership had instructed Akmal to step back from the Allah socks issue.
(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1033929/stand-down-allah-sock...)
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said there was no question of agreeing or disagreeing with Akmal's actions in pressing KK Mart on the issue, as Umno had already decided to stop harping on the matter.
He said Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had requested that the issue be put to rest.
KW# KK Mart, Akmal, Umno Youth, PKR, Nik Nazmi, socks
