Malaysia’s King urges leaders to avoid ‘extreme views’, calls for unity before holidays amid ‘Allah’ socks row

Malaysia’s King Ibrahim Iskandar has advised the country’s leaders not to give “extreme views” on issues relating to race and religion, as he sought to put an end to tensions caused by the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah.”

The ruler met with representatives from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Democratic Action Party (DAP) – both part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition – to discuss current developments “regarding religious and racial sensitivity,” according to the king’s Facebook post.

Leaders from Chinese-majority DAP and UMNO have been at odds following the latter’s continued boycott of the supermarket chain where the socks were found.

Malaysian supermarket chain and supplier to be charged over ‘Allah’ socks

Subsequent petrol bomb attacks on three KK Super Mart stores have raised public anger and put pressure on Anwar’s fragile coalition government.

“As Hari Raya approaches, be forgiving with each other and turn a new page,” Sultan Ibrahim said.

UMNO’s youth chief Akmal Saleh, who led the outcry against the supermart, said he would “heed” the King’s advice in the interest of national harmony.

He did not specify if he would cease boycott calls.

Authorities have charged the owners of KK Mart for the transgression.

They are also investigating local shoe retailer Vern’s Holding Sdn., over a separate incident, whereby a logo on some of their soles was alleged to resemble the word “Allah” in Arabic script.