Nation Moves Backwards If Frivolous Accusations Triggering Religious Sensitivities Persist

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Letter to Editor
FROM the furore over a few pairs of socks bearing the word “Allah” being sold at certain KK Mart stores to the current probe on Vern’s footwear company over a sole design alleged to resemble the word “Allah”, much attention has been spent scrutinising various brand designs, logos and signs in search of any links to religious elements.
This scenario has plunged the society into a paranoid state of suspicion where any individual could be the next target.
Any arbitrary accusation that may incite religious sensitivities, or even labelling others as “insulting religion” is a worrisome matter.
If this trend continues, not only will foreign investments withdraw, but even Malaysian citizens also conducting business will live in fear, further damaging the economic environment and potentially causing the country to regress.
The failure of the Malaysia Madani unity government to take action or state a clear stand over the socks with the word “Allah” from the start while allowing the incident to fester, expand and worsen, resulted with the current situation spinning out of control.
The authorities need to explain their reasons for acting against Vern’s outlets despites experts agreeing that the logo on the high-heeled shoes does not match the word “Allah.”
In this case, Vern’s store does not appear to have done anything wrong and might even be considered victims.
Vern’s management has clarified the logo was inspired by the image of interconnected lines resembling the strap of a high-heeled shoe, and that it never intended to produce a logo design that ridiculed or insulted any religion or belief.
However, the actions taken by the authorities against Vern’s, including the police seizing more than a thousand pairs of shoes from Vern’s outlets and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) issuing Vern’s management a stern warning are equivalent to treating Vern’s and its management as offenders or suspects. The authorities must provide the reasons or logic behind their actions.
We also call into question the seemingly double standards by the authorities. Vern’s had to endure pressure from all sides and accept the investigations and actions by the authorities.
However, individuals who circulated rumours that the soles of Vern’s high-heeled footwear contain the word “Allah” despite the refutation by experts, are not subjected to any repercussions.
The manner in which the authorities handled this episode is akin to letting the perpetrators off the hook while targeting innocent parties or victims.
From now on, if anyone can wantonly accuse others or businesses of baseless charges, and the authorities detain, summon, or warn the accused, or even take harsher legal actions, this will undermine the credibility of law enforcement agencies and shake the principles and spirit of the rule of law in our country. 
Mike Chong Yew Chuan is the MCA National Youth deputy chairman.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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