Akmal Condemns Violence But Presses On With Kk Mart Boycott

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Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has condemned the Molotov cocktail attacks against KK Mart outlets but is adamant that the boycott he has been pushing for should continue.
In a brief statement on Facebook, Akmal also called for a thorough investigation to be conducted before fingers are pointed over the attacks.
“We have strongly condemned acts of violence from day one
“We ask that an immediate investigation be carried out and the perpetrator be heavily punished regardless of whichever party the perpetrator is from!” he said.
“The investigation should be done first before blaming any parties for this incident that took place
“We keep calm and continue the boycott,” he said.
His post included a link to an article in which Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged proponents of the KK Mart boycott to take responsibility and end their role in instigating heated public sentiments.
This followed two firebomb attacks against KK Mart outlets, one in Kuantan, Pahang, early yesterday morning and another attempt against another branch in Bidor, Perak, earlier this week
“Calling for and encouraging people to boycott a brand may not be an offence under the law, but it is clearly wrong when people act to trespass or attempt to torch a KK Mart outlet,” said Saifuddin.
Akmal yesterday maintained his stance of condemning the acts but added that he believed certain quarters tried to link the boycott campaign to racial issues and this has led to violence.
The controversy erupted when pictures of socks bearing the word “Allah” being sold at a KK Mart outlet in Bandar Sunway went viral on social media.
Following the uproar, KK Mart apologised to all its customers, especially the Muslim community, and confirmed that immediate action had been taken to stop the sale of the socks.
The founder of the KK Mart convenience store chain, Chai Kee Kan, and his wife Loh Siew Mui, have been charged with intentionally hurting the feelings of Muslims at the Shah Alam Sessions Court. - Mkini

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