THE authorities must take action against the people claiming a shoe company has a logo resembling the word “Allah” if the allegations are found to be baseless, PKR’s youth wing said today.
Its communications director Haziq Azfar said investigations must be carried out in a balanced manner and include both the shoe company and the accusers.
“While we should not (neglect) to defend the sanctity of Islam, efforts to do so should be based on authenticity and not done carelessly so as to persecute others.
“If further investigations by authorities such as police and Jakim find that there is no solid basis for the allegations, then the people who initiated the allegations should face the consequences when they carelessly spread false news,” he said in a statement.
Haziq said the social fabric was being strained as people continued to harp on such issues.
Malaysian shoe company Vern’s Holding Sdn Bhd is under investigation after it was alleged that its footwear bore a logo that looked like the word “Allah’.
The company has explained that the logo was actually a stylised graphic of a strappy high heel.
Yesterday the company’s founder Ng Chuan Hoo, 51, met with Islamic Development Department officials, saying he would fully cooperate in the probe.
“Let Jakim and police do what needs to be done with regard to their investigations.
“After their investigations, I will cooperate fully in their next course of action,” Ng had said.
He was to have given his statement to the police yesterday.
He said the whole thing was a misunderstanding and apologised for causing uneasiness and hurt to the Muslim community.
He added that the offending shoes had been recalled.
The controversy surfaced online last week following claims these shoes displayed a logo resembling the word “Allah”.
Earlier yesterday, police seized 1,145 pairs of shoes in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kedah. No arrests were made. – April 9, 2024.
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