Some critics question silence of PM Anwar and his deputy Zahid over the issue.
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia went through a wild ride of accusations and apologies in the last three weeks following theQuestions remain on whether the issue could spiral further.
The socks issue had struck a raw nerve among the Muslim community, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, said risk consultancy KRA Group’s strategic director, Mr Amir Fareed Rahim. While the founder of KK Super Mart, Chai Kee Kan, had apologised publicly – twice – this did little to ease the situation. Indeed, he wasSeveral leaders of Umno, a key ally in Mr Anwar’s multi-coalition government, had also “taken advantage of the issue to bolster the party’s standing among the Malays by fanning the fire of discontent, calling for boycotts of KK Super Mart and stern action to be taken,” said Mr Amir.
“Anwar’s partner in his unity government, Umno, has given Mr Akmal tacit support. Its president, deputy premier Zahid Hamidi, has largely stayed silent and has not been interested in reining in his youth chief. This may be a risky tactic to try and shore up the support of the Muslim-Malay community, which has not warmed up to the unity government, Anwar’s premiership, or returned to supporting the once dominant Umno,” he wrote.
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