PARTIES involved in the latest controversy, involving a local shoe brand which purportedly depicts the word “Allah” on its sole, have been told to provide an explanation to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
In a statement, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said he instructed Jakim to look into the claim.
"I've instructed Jakim to call up the relevant quarters on Monday (April 8) to provide further explanation.
"Anyone who has relevant information can forward it to the authorities, including the police," said Mohd Na'im in the statement.
He called for calm and asked the public to allow Jakim and the authorities to investigate the issue.
"The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) will not compromise with anyone if they have clearly insulted Islam," Mohd Na'im said in the statement.
Earlier today, Umno Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh had demanded the local shoe provide an explanation.
In a Facebook post he said that although he thought what was visible was actually a design and not the holy word, he still wants the local company to clarify the situation.
He added that he was outraged at first after reading about the issue on social media but his research led him to a “logical” argument that the design was of a shoe and not the holy word.
“I read a posting that said it was a logo that depicted a high heel with its straps, and that is what I see too.
“There is logic in this, but whatever it may be, we urge the local company to issue an immediate clarification.
“If there is no explanation in 24 hours, then don’t blame us if we boycott your product afterwards,” he said.
He also said Muslims would not act wildly without checking things first and would assume the best first.
Claims that the local shoe brand has the “Allah” design first appeared on TikTok on March 23 but became viral today after a couple posted about it on Facebook.
Following that, many had called for a boycott against the brand.
This issue over the word "Allah" comes just after the KK Mart’s socks scandal.
Akmal is leading a movement to boycott KK Mart after socks with the word “Allah” were found in its outlets.
Public anger has so far led to three KK Mart outlets being targeted by petrol bombs. – April 7, 2024.
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