AMPANG: Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil today warned Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh against misinterpreting Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim’s decree for parties not to take advantage of the “Allah” socks issue.
He said misinterpreting the decree would be inappropriate as the king holds the highest position in the Malay-Muslim community.
Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said political leaders must heed the royal decree not to prolong the controversy.
“I feel it’s enough. We’re approaching Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Enough is enough. Stop this controversy. The Agong has commanded not once, but twice (not to prolong the polemics),” Fahmi told reporters here.
Akmal has remained resolute in his call for a boycott of convenience store chain KK Mart, saying in a Facebook post yesterday that the public had decided on the matter without coercion.
He was also reported by Malaysiakini as asking if the king had specifically demanded a halt to the boycott.
Sultan Ibrahim had earlier warned parties against taking advantage of the issue, including by inciting the public, after granting an audience to KK Mart founder Chai Kee Kan.
It was the king’s second statement within a week on the controversy which began when photographs were circulated on social media showing socks bearing the word “Allah” at KK Mart’s Bandar Sunway outlet on March 13.
On a separate matter, Fahmi said MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd was one of the leading agencies involved in drafting the Music Act due to its involvement in the music industry.
He said the ministry was also looking at the possibility of establishing a pro tem committee to accelerate the drafting of the Act.
“Singers are among those who provide the most (entertainment) content. We see a need to consider not only their welfare, but also the industry’s sustainability through an independent Act,” Fahmi said.
In August, Fahmi announced that an Act for the overall music industry would be formulated in two years.
