We must steer conversations towards peace and harmony
By Zan Azlee

Socks are important to me because I don’t like having cracked heels. Most of the time when I am out, I will be wearing socks and shoes because it helps to keep my feet clean and also moisturised so that my heels do not crack. I very rarely wear slippers or even open-feet sandals.

So socks are quite a main repertoire for me. I have dozens of socks in my drawer so that I never run out. The socks I have don’t have to be expensive. As long as they are elastic and clean, I can wear them.

I am not one of those people who have interesting patterns or designs on their socks like cartoon characters or favourite sports team logos. I keep it plain white most of the time and sometimes black. It makes it easier to match with whatever clothes I am wearing.

I wear thin ones when I’m going about my normal day and slightly thicker ones when I’m playing basketball or running. Yes, I may keep it simple, but I guess I’m also quite particular about my socks.

So I have to admit that I do understand when many Malaysians express their concern about the issue of socks sold at KK Mart having the word “Allah” on it. Culturally and religiously, it is offensive to have that word printed on something that is put on the feet.

This should be very obvious, especially for those living in a society like Malaysia. Religious words and phrases are usually hung up high on walls and Qurans are kept on the highest shelves of our book racks. One would be stupid not to understand that.

In my opinion, it is okay to be upset at a party that has decided to sell these socks. We can express our anger or dissatisfaction about it whether privately or publicly. I would even understand it if people wanted to call a boycott against that particular party.

It is their right that should be protected under the freedom of expression. It is also understandable for the Yand di-Pertuan Agong to call for stern action to be taken against them for doing so because he is the protector of Islam in the country.

However, do take note that the Agong also mentioned that Malaysia is a multiracial country and sensitive issues that can bring about racial and religious disharmony should be dealt with appropriately, with which I agree.

Public discussions

So that brings me to the point of how these issues are discussed in the public sphere or even in the media. We need to tread carefully so as not to also create a worse situation. Our discussions need to be appropriate to the issue at hand.

Reading news reports on the issue, we know that KK Mart has already apologised profusely. Even the supplier of the socks has issued an apology. They claim that it was an oversight and they didn’t notice the socks among the many that were imported from China.

Apparently, only five pairs of socks were found out of more than a thousand. Obviously, this could not have been a deliberate attempt to sow hatred or provoke society.

But yes, an oversight or not, people have been offended and police have also confirmed that investigation papers have been opened on the matter. So be it.

If an offence has been committed, then action is to be taken. But we as Malaysians also have a responsibility to maintain racial and religious harmony in the country.

I echo Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when he said that he doesn’t believe in excessive punishment on the matter and that we should move forward and not let it drag on.

In this month of Ramadan, we should even more so practice forgiveness, especially over matters that could have been an honest mistake and also when sincere apologies have been offered up.

We need to steer the conversation towards maintaining harmony in situations like this rather than create more drama and arguments. The thing has happened and action is already being taken. So let’s just move forward and continue to work towards fixing and improving racial and religious harmony.

Anyway, to be honest, I find socks that have loud patterns and designs to be annoying. But those who like socks like these have a right to wear them. All I can do is wear the socks that I like, and as I have mentioned, I like to keep it plain, simple and easy.

Peace out everyone and have a blessed Ramadan.

[This article was originally written for and published at Malaysiakini.com]

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