PUTRAJAYA could have lowered the political temperature and prevented the firebomb attacks at several KK Mart outlets if steps were taken much earlier over the "Allah" socks furore, sociologists said.
They said the situation had unnecessarily escalated over the past few weeks because the government had not done enough to quell the tension, including hauling up Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh for inciting the people.
Prof P. Ramasamy said the government was a disappointment.
"It should have intervened and acted decisively," said the former Penang assemblyman.
Kua Kia Soong took the police to task for what he called "selective efficiency".
"While the police seem to be super-efficient at apprehending alleged 'international terrorists', such as the Israeli caught with a sizable number of arms, their failure to apprehend the fire bombers of several KK Mart shops is mind-boggling," he added.
Anger at KK Mart has seen three of its outlets being struck with petrol bombs, the latest incident being in Kuching on Sunday.
The first and second incidents occurred in Perak and Pahang on March 26 and 29, respectively.
No arrests have been made so far.
KK Mart came under fire after socks bearing the word “Allah” were found sold at one of its outlets in Bandar Sunway.
Its founder KK Chai and his wife Loh Siew Mui, who is the company director, claimed trial to a charge of wounding religious feelings. They have also apologised over the issue.
Swifter, more professional police action
The sociologists said police should have acted quickly against the vigilantes and shown themselves to be above politics.
"Has any action been taken against Akmal Saleh for uploading provocative pictures on Facebook? The answer from the IGP (Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain) was shocking. No report against the Umno youth chief means no investigation?
"If someone is robbed and no report was filed, you just let the case close? What the IGP said did not make any sense. The police should stay out of politics," said Ramasamy.
Kua said the public expects absolute professionalism from the force.
"We hope the IGP and the government can give us an assurance that such lapses in the professionalism of the Malaysian police do not occur again. We want to see peace, security and trust between the police and the people and not evidence of incompetence," said Kua.
Easing inter-religious tension
Social Cohesion and National Unity Cluster chairman at the Academy of Professors Malaysia, Prof Chin Yee Whah urged political and religious leaders to a vital role in fostering unity.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia senior lecturer said these leaders must be willing to speak out against intolerance as they can influence public opinion.
"In light of recent events involving the intervention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the cabinet's decision to put a complete stop to the issue, it is crucial for the government and civil society groups to use existing mechanisms to address inter-religious tension," Chin said.
"These mechanisms can help build bridges between different religious communities, promote understanding and dialogue, and foster mutual respect and cooperation."
Chin added that Putrajaya could initiate inter-religious dialogue and promote leadership that advocates for tolerance, prevent religious tension, and foster harmony. – April 5, 2024.
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