‘Allah’-printed socks controversy: there is no case to begin with, says KK Mart lawyer

Speaking to the media today, Datuk Rajpal Singh (centre), representing KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd, insists that the company's founder and director should not face criminal charges in connection with the sale of 'Allah'-printed socks. Also present were Datuk Theng Book (left) and Datuk David Gurupatham (right), who are also part of the counsel. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, March 26, 2024


‘Allah’-printed socks controversy: there is no case to begin with, says KK Mart lawyer

Despite asserting the accused's innocence, legal team emphasises importance of allowing court to reach its verdict through due process

Farah Solhi
Updated 12 hours ago
26 March, 2024

SHAH ALAM – The legal representative of KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd has insisted that the company’s founder and director should not face criminal charges in connection with the sale of “Allah”-printed socks at some of its convenience stores.

Speaking to the media after today’s court session, Datuk Rajpal Singh expressed confidence that justice will prevail for Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan and his wife, Loh Siew Hui.

“I do not think there’s a case in the first place. We are very confident that they should not be charged.

“But… the police have investigated, and the prosecution feels there’s enough evidence to charge them. So… that’s the legal process.

“We feel that our client is innocent. But at the end of the day, the court will decide after a full trial. Let the due process of the justice system take its course,” he said.

Datuk K.K. Chai (right) and his wife Loh Siew Mui (left) have pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims by displaying socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ in one of their convenience stores. – Abdul Razak Latif/Scoop pic, March 26, 2024


Accompanying them as legal representatives for Chai and Loh in the case were Datuk David Gurupatham, Datuk RS Sodhi, and Datuk Theng Book.

Earlier today, both Chai and Loh separately pleaded not guilty to the charge of intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims by displaying socks bearing the word “Allah” in one of their convenience stores in the Sunway branch on March 13.

Chai faced an additional count of the same offence as a representative of the company.

The charges were brought under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment, fines, or both upon conviction.

Sessions court judge Muhammad Anas Mahadzir set bail at RM10,000 for the husband-and-wife duo and scheduled April 29 for case mentions. – March 26, 2024