PETALING JAYA: Learn from the KK Super Mart socks controversy rather than stoking anger and hate on social media, says interfaith groups and moderation advocates.
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) President Tan Hoe Chieow said Malaysians in general are calm people, but their religious sensitivities must never be taken lightly.
“The majority in this country are Muslims and the issue is sensitive as it offends Muslims.
“Although KK Super Mart has explained that it was a mix-up from the supplier, it still should not have happened as we must be sensitive to all religions and not be offensive, even if we did not intend to.
“However, KK Super Mart founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai has apologised,” said Tan.
Another moderation advocate Tawfik Ismail said that the continued blame-game on social media is not going to solve anything but only further inflame emotions.
“Don’t abuse and misuse social media merely to fan emotions,” he said, adding that the incident was likely caused by human error.
“Our leaders should make Rukun Negara a national habit,” he said when asked how best to instill better understanding and harmony among Malaysians in light of the incident.
Author and moderation advocate Anas Zubedy called for cooler heads to prevail as the incident is already being investigated by the police.
“Those on social media, particularly influencers and well-known personalities, should promote tolerance and understanding to help bring calm.
“This is better than fanning anger and hatred on social media,” he said when contacted.
Instead of reacting by going on the attack, Anas says a more consultative approach would help ease tensions.
“Choose positive intervention tempered with mercy and not with anger,” he said.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the incident underscored the need for better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in our multicultural society.
“The incident must be a lesson for all parties to be more understanding and alert in the future to avoid a repeat. It goes both ways and no one is exclusive,” she said.
“Let cool heads prevail. Islam after all teaches us to be merciful to all creations, to Muslims and non-Muslims,” she added.
