2216) THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE 5/11/2014 – Now Muslim Groups Want Sedition Probe Against Bottler for Hindu Deity On Labels
05 Nov 2014
PPIM’s Sheikh Abdul Kareem (centre) has accused bottlers Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd of offending Muslim sensitivities by placing the image of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, near the “halal” logo on the labels of its Cactus brand bottled water. ― File pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 ― Two Muslim groups today demanded police investigate a mineral water bottler for sedition, among others, over its placement of a Hindu deity near the “halal” logo on its bottle labels.
Among the groups was the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM), who first complained of the “insensitive” juxtaposition yesterday.
“We want the police to investigate this matter and take the appropriate action, may it be the Sedition Act or any relevant act.
“This matter is sensitive to the Muslims of the country,” said PPIM head of monitoring and financial services Sheikh Abdul Kareem after lodging a police report here today.
He was accompanied by Pejuangan Warisan Islam Melayu Malaysia (PEWARIS) officer Shamsudin Bin Bakar when making the report.
Yesterday, PPIM accused bottlers Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd of offending Muslim sensitivities by placing the image of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, near the “halal” logo on the labels of its Cactus brand bottled water.
Today, Sheikh Abdul said the labels were produced for a promotion in conjunction with “Visit Malaysia Year 2014”.
“Even if it is used to promote tourism in Malaysia. The problem is there is a halal logo there and in Malaysia, Islam is the religion of the constitution.
“If they wanted to put anything there to promote Malaysia, they have to follow what is written by the constitution,” said Sheikh Abdul, without citing the constitutional article relating to the issue.
Sheikh Abdul, who was also representing the International Muslim Consumer Association (IMCA), said this matter should not have occurred for a company that is based in Malaysia, as it should respect Islam as the religion of the constitution.
“We as Muslims are really sensitive towards images such as these, in our food or in our homes. And for a company that is based in Malaysia, should have known how sensitive the Muslims that make up the community in Malaysia,” said Sheikh Abdul.
He also urged federal Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) to look into matter.
“We want action, we are not asking to give them a warning, because we see as an immeasurable accident,” said Sheikh Abdul.
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