March proved to be a tumultuous month for religious relations in Malaysia, as irresponsible parties attempted to rile up the Malay Muslim base in the holy month of Ramadan, ranging from the canteen for non-Muslims and, most recently, the Allah socks issue.
Last week, images of the Miranosock socks bearing the word Allah sold at convenience store chain KK Mart's Bandar Sunway outlet went viral on social media.
Following the revelation, KK Mart apologised to its customers and the Muslim community, in particular, for the oversight and stopped selling the product.
The sock's supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, had also apologised and said the products were part of a bulk of stocks purchased by mistake from its China-based supplier.
Regardless of intent, this is a severe matter for Muslims, as the word "Allah" is revered in every sense of the word. Its careless printing of socks can be seen as an insult and has the potential to be used in an even more irresponsible manner.
Despite the atmosphere of caution and unease that permeates Malaysians at this sensitive time, politicians have decided to wave their banners on this topic. Two figures emerge as contentious leaders in this unnecessary conflict: UMNO's Dr Akmal Saleh and his veritable roster of opponents who can't resist engaging him.
These two figures come with their own support base, and both communities have engaged in tit-for-tat that runs counter to the harmony that our federation was founded upon. Akmal continues to call for a boycott of KK Mart, while Nga has issued a challenge against Akmal to stay in his lane.
So serious is the situation, that two royal figures have spoken out on this, Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar – who have remained quiet up to this point until now.
Let's ignore the fact that the average Malaysian would rather understand and take a cautious approach to this issue. Let's ignore the fact that figures like Akmal and other politicians are considered leaders, and with them comes an influence and responsibility to wield it properly.
I say ignore the facts, but only because irresponsible parties such as Akmal and his ilk on all sides willingly do so - all for political power and, more cynically, more excellent justification for him to claim that they are the best of their communities.
But the fact of the matter is, this dangerous turn of events bodes ill for the racial and religious harmony of the country. By choosing to pander to the fears of the Malays, who are led to believe, through social media content and their algorithms, that they are under constant threat to their racial and religious way of life, politicians risk breaking the fabric of our Malaysian project.
The efforts by the government to handle this issue have also been less than stellar, choosing to selectively pander to the Malay base in what is seen as incomprehensible decisions or ignore the narrative entirely – let alone tackle the economic concerns shared by all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
These issues should never be allowed to become the monster they are now. Our political class has failed to preserve the multiracial society we have here in Malaysia. By irresponsibly having knee-jerk reactions, they betray their principles as our representatives and the core values of being citizens of Malaysia.
Instead, they should follow the example of our royal figures, who, despite being unelected, keenly understand their responsibilities and roles.
They have taken the wiser approach, calling for strict action while ensuring that the country's harmony is preserved, with our YDPA stating that "the word Allah is revered by Muslims. In addition, we are observing Ramadan, so there should not be incidents that arouse anger."
"Whether the issue was deliberately caused or whether (the socks) were imported or locally manufactured, I want the authorities to take the strictest action possible under existing laws so that the incident does not recur," His Majesty added.
The regent has taken the same stance, stating that “authorities (should) take firm action on the matter and ensure that an issue like this does not happen again.”
“I consider this issue to be serious and hope this matter does not jeopardise national harmony.”
They said it without malice or a need to score points; they stood as leaders in these tenuous times when the country has never been ideologically divided as it is now. There was no need to place the concerns of one race over another, because there really is no need to.
This is not the first time that the Johor royal family has voiced these concerns, as seen in their reaction to Johor, such as the Muslim laundromat incident, and it will certainly not be the last time.
Some might say that the royals need to take a backseat, like the British royal family, but given how our politicians act, they have shown us a strength that has been missing for far too long.
Our elected leaders need to demonstrate this kind of strength. After all, we are the ones we choose for the next four years, and they are responsible for ensuring that this place we call home remains peaceful and harmonious.
Last week, images of the Miranosock socks bearing the word Allah sold at convenience store chain KK Mart's Bandar Sunway outlet went viral on social media.
Following the revelation, KK Mart apologised to its customers and the Muslim community, in particular, for the oversight and stopped selling the product.
The sock's supplier, Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, had also apologised and said the products were part of a bulk of stocks purchased by mistake from its China-based supplier.
Regardless of intent, this is a severe matter for Muslims, as the word "Allah" is revered in every sense of the word. Its careless printing of socks can be seen as an insult and has the potential to be used in an even more irresponsible manner.
Despite the atmosphere of caution and unease that permeates Malaysians at this sensitive time, politicians have decided to wave their banners on this topic. Two figures emerge as contentious leaders in this unnecessary conflict: UMNO's Dr Akmal Saleh and his veritable roster of opponents who can't resist engaging him.
So serious is the situation, that two royal figures have spoken out on this, Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar – who have remained quiet up to this point until now.
I say ignore the facts, but only because irresponsible parties such as Akmal and his ilk on all sides willingly do so - all for political power and, more cynically, more excellent justification for him to claim that they are the best of their communities.
But the fact of the matter is, this dangerous turn of events bodes ill for the racial and religious harmony of the country. By choosing to pander to the fears of the Malays, who are led to believe, through social media content and their algorithms, that they are under constant threat to their racial and religious way of life, politicians risk breaking the fabric of our Malaysian project.
The efforts by the government to handle this issue have also been less than stellar, choosing to selectively pander to the Malay base in what is seen as incomprehensible decisions or ignore the narrative entirely – let alone tackle the economic concerns shared by all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
These issues should never be allowed to become the monster they are now. Our political class has failed to preserve the multiracial society we have here in Malaysia. By irresponsibly having knee-jerk reactions, they betray their principles as our representatives and the core values of being citizens of Malaysia.
Instead, they should follow the example of our royal figures, who, despite being unelected, keenly understand their responsibilities and roles.
"Whether the issue was deliberately caused or whether (the socks) were imported or locally manufactured, I want the authorities to take the strictest action possible under existing laws so that the incident does not recur," His Majesty added.
The regent has taken the same stance, stating that “authorities (should) take firm action on the matter and ensure that an issue like this does not happen again.”
“I consider this issue to be serious and hope this matter does not jeopardise national harmony.”
They said it without malice or a need to score points; they stood as leaders in these tenuous times when the country has never been ideologically divided as it is now. There was no need to place the concerns of one race over another, because there really is no need to.
This is not the first time that the Johor royal family has voiced these concerns, as seen in their reaction to Johor, such as the Muslim laundromat incident, and it will certainly not be the last time.
Some might say that the royals need to take a backseat, like the British royal family, but given how our politicians act, they have shown us a strength that has been missing for far too long.
Our elected leaders need to demonstrate this kind of strength. After all, we are the ones we choose for the next four years, and they are responsible for ensuring that this place we call home remains peaceful and harmonious.
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