KUALA LUMPUR – PAS Youth remains firm in its belief that there is a “cartel” that is deliberately inciting racial and religious issues in the country.
Its chief, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, told Scoop the cartel must be eradicated as matters of akidah (faith) are not mere commodities to “test the market”.
“Muslims are willing to die defending their religion and faith. Do not challenge us to that extent.
“I have recently said in the Dewan Rakyat that there must be stricter laws for those found insulting Islam. Existing laws today do not deter them.”
Afnan said this after a supermarket in Batu Pahat, Johor, was found selling floor mats with designs resembling the Kaaba.
The Kaaba is Islam’s holiest site at the Al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and the direction in which Muslims pray.
Afnan, who is also Alor Star MP, reminded detractors of Islam that more Muslims will unite to counter such actions.
It was reported today that the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) seized 11 floor mats with the image of the Kaaba being sold in a Johor supermarket.
The seizure took place on April 9, a day before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, after public complaints circulated on social media.
JAINJ chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid also said the department summoned the supermarket’s management for an explanation, while warning them to be careful with the products sold to consumers.
A TikTok clip depicted a green floor mat seemingly etched with the outline of the Kaaba on top of a pile of other mats ostensibly inside a supermarket display bin.
Last month, Afnan floated the idea of a cartel being behind the issue involving the “Allah”-printed socks.
He claimed this cartel may have used certain parties as scapegoats in this issue. – April 13, 2024