WE IN G25 welcome the statement by the Mufti of Penang, Datuk Seri Wan Salim Mohd Noor, calling for restraint in commenting on the incident which happened at a KK Super Mart in Bandar Sunway with the word “Allah” printed on some socks.
Whoever the culprit, the incident has unfortunately resulted in repercussions of disproportionate magnitude and with a racial slant.
Malaysians must take heed of the advice of the learned mufti of Penang, as reported in the media, that calls for non-Muslim businesses to be boycotted in the aftermath of the fiasco is “overboard and against Islamic teachings.” The learned mufti also wisely advised: “Punishing non-Muslim traders as enemies or traitors is a cruel act, whereas Islam calls for (its believers) to uphold justice regardless of religious and racial background.”
According to media reports, the police have investigated the matter and have submitted their investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The public, including politicians, should let the authorities complete their work instead of making irresponsible comments that can incite racial feelings in the country.
As a multi-religious and multi-racial country where race and religion are politically sensitive matters, all sections of society must help to keep public emotions under control when there is an incident that may threaten the peace and stability of the country.
When such issues arise, it is up to the government to take the lead and be quick to reassure the public that the issue will be investigated and addressed appropriately. This is to prevent emotions from escalating, and unscrupulous politicians from taking advantage of the unfortunate incident for political mileage; as we saw happened in this case, resulting in threats and risk to workers’ livelihoods, safety, and reputation despite the apology by KK Mart Group.
We in G25 abhor mob justice. Therefore, we urge the authorities to take swift action against the vigilante groups who took matters into their own hands by unlawfully intimidating two individuals, namely, Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang, separately, forcing them to confess to comments they made online.
It is not the job of the vigilante groups to do what they did; for we have the law and the enforcement authorities. There is no place for mob justice in this country.
We are governed by the rule of law. Stern action must be taken by the authorities to deter irresponsible elements in the public from similarly taking the law into their own hands in the future.
Duo sentenced without legal representation
We in G25 are deeply disturbed by the fact that both Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang were brought before and dealt with by the courts with both not having legal representation. All the more so when heavy sentences were imposed upon them.
The two persons should not have been brought to trial without ensuring they were legally represented. Justice requires that they should have been accorded the benefit of having a counsel to speak on their behalf in mitigation in light of the severity of the sentences.
Indeed, the very sensitivity of the matter makes it all the more necessary that the accused persons have the full protection of the law. The Legal Aid Department of the government and the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre provide free legal services to accused persons intending to plead guilty before the Courts.
Therefore, it is tragic how it could come about that the two persons were brought before the court without any lawyer to make a plea in mitigation on their behalf.
Our government and political leaders must also consider their reactions to such incidents and how it will affect the much-needed investment in our country. If a few pairs of socks, regardless of intention, are enough to close a business and receive threats, local and foreign investors will certainly look elsewhere for more stability for their businesses. – The Vibes, March 24, 2024
G25 is a group of prominent retired civil servants
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