Intervene to help S’wakian-owned KK Mart in ‘Allah’ socks row, PBK urges state govt

Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan has called for the Sarawak government’s intervention to deescalate the KK Mart sock issue.

He said this was in view that the KK Mart chain is a Sarawakian-owned business.

“The KK Mart convenience store chain founded by Sarawakian Datuk Seri KK Chai is a success story and should not be forced to close down due to the current politicising of the ‘Allah’ socks issue.

“Since KK Mart, which has 881 outlets in the country, is a business founded by a Sarawakian, PBK urges the Sarawak government to intervene to ensure that the matter would not damage KK Mart,” he said in a statement.

Voon said following the recent uproar on the issue, some politicians and activities have been bent on seeing KK Mart close down.

“One should also not discount the possibility of sabotage against KK Mart by business rivals or religious extremists to destroy a flourishing business from Sarawak.

“Sarawak should not see KK Mart be destroyed. The Sarawak government should support KK Mart, a ‘business ambassador’ for Sarawak,” he said.

Voon also called on the police not to allow politicians and activists to stir up hatred against KK Mart as this could affect the economy and cause the convenience store’s workers to lose their jobs.

“Now it seems that some groups of people are behaving like law enforcement officers, prosecutor and judge with disregard to professionals who are empowered to do the job.

“Such behaviour can create a negative image on law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He added that the police should have those who incite hate against KK Mart to be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.