Umno Youth chief to persist in store chain boycott call over socks issue

He says he won't back down despite King’s warning on prolonging issue any further

- Azril Annuar

KUALA LUMPUR Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh insisted that he would continue the call to boycott the KK Super Mart convenience store chain, despite a warning from Malaysia's King on April 3 against dragging on the issue any further.

Speaking to The Straits Times on April 4, Dr Akmal, who has been very vocal in calling for the boycott of the 800-store KK Super Mart over the sale of socks with the word "Allah" printed on them in March, said Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar did not raise the issue of boycotts.

"When did the King say anything about boycotts? We've only asked for boycotts since day one.

We never asked for anything else.

Boycotts aren't illegal," he told ST in a phone interview.

The King met KK Super Mart's founder Chai Kee Kan on April 3, with the businessman issuing his third public apology over the incident.

"Everyone must be more responsible. Don't let this incident repeat, and I hope this is the last time I will have to stress on this," the monarch said.

"Once again, I warn all parties against taking advantage of this incident, including inciting the people. I do not want this issue prolonged any further," he said in a post on Facebook.

Chai, his wife, and four others were on March 26 charged in court over wounding the religious feelings of Muslims over the socks issue.