Only God can forgive KK Super Mart management, not PAS, says ulama wing chief

KUALA LUMPUR: It is not for PAS but God to decide whether the party accepts the apology by the management of KK Super Mart over the “Allah” socks issue, says PAS ulama wing chief Datuk Ahmad Yahya.

He added the offence was “committed against God, not PAS ulama.” “We do not represent God, thus, we cannot say that we are ready to accept the apology rendered by the owners of KK Super Mart.

“The offence of putting the holy name of “Allah” in a degrading way such as a pair of socks was made against God. The offence was not made against us, which is the PAS ulama,” he said at an iftar event held for the media by national PAS ulama council on Saturday (March 30).

Ahmad was asked if PAS ulama accepted the apology from KK Super Mart over the “Allah” socks issue. He said PAS will not blindly blame anyone over the matter. “However, as Muslims, we abhor any attempt to insult our God and we want strict action taken against the perpetrators in accordance with the law.

“KK Super Mart has admitted it was an oversight on their part.

“PAS is a mature Islamist party and our maturity teaches us that there are places where we need to get our voices heard and where we don’t have to. We are not going to go down the streets just like that over just any issue,” said Ahmad.

Ahmad, who is Pokok Sena MP, said the authorities should take swift and stern action against those who insult any religion and create unease among the people. Earlier, Ahmad said that PAS will not take part in the movement to boycott KK Super Mart convenience stores.

“Our leadership just wants strict action to be taken against those responsible.

“I am sure that if action is taken this issue will subside,” he said according to Sinar Harian on Saturday.

On Saturday, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a KK Super Mart outlet in Kuantan. This followed an attempt to throw a petrol-bomb at another KK Super Mart in Bidor, Perak on Tuesday (March 26).

The petrol bomb then hit the five-foot walkway in front of the shop, but it did not ignite. The convenience store chain recently came under fire after socks printed with the word “Allah” were found at its branch in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

The company has since issued apologies but calls to boycott against the stores continue to persist.