PAS won’t join KK Mart boycott movement, says Ulama wing chief

(FMT) – PAS will not join the movement to boycott KK Mart, which had been mired in controversy following the sale of socks with the word “Allah”, its Ulama wing chief, Ahmad Yahya, said.

He, however, stressed that the party is against any attempt to mock Islam, Sinar Harian reported.

“If you noticed, none of our leaders called for a boycott of KK Mart.

“We only want action to be taken against those responsible. And if action is taken, I am confident the issue will die down,” he was quoted as saying.

The controversy arose after photographs of the socks, sold at KK Mart’s Bandar Sunway store, appeared on social media, sparking calls for a boycott by Umno Youth.

The wing’s chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, threatened a stronger boycott if the convenience store chain failed to put up banners at all of its 881 stores nationwide to apologise for the sale of the socks after declaring the initial apology by the company insufficient.

On Tuesday, KK Mart’s founder, Chai Kee Kan, and director, Loh Siew Mui, claimed trial to intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by selling the socks.

Three officers from Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, the Batu Pahat-based vendor which supplied KK Mart with the socks, were also charged. They also claimed trial.

Despite the five being hauled to court, two KK Mart stores – one in Kuantan, Pahang, and the other in Bidor, Perak – were attacked with a firebomb.

Akmal has since condemned the attacks and called for stern action against the perpetrators. He also urged those taking part in the boycott to conduct it maturely, without resorting to violence.