THE Umno Supreme Council has given its full backing to Youth wing chief Dr Akmal Saleh over his actions in relation to the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah”.

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said after a party leadership meeting today that the Cabinet also respects the party’s stand on the issue.

“The issue of Umno Youth’s (actions) was discussed at the Supreme Council meeting today. The whole Supreme Council fully supports the Umno Youth chief’s stand,” he said at a press conference at Menara Dato Onn here.

The Umno decision comes despite Akmal drawing flak, particularly from MCA and DAP, over his persistent call for a boycott of KK Mart convenience stores.

Asyraf said the issue has not affected Umno’s ties with the various parties within the unity government.

He reiterated that Umno will not compromise with issues involving the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty), citing the “Allah” socks issue as well as a proposal to make New Villages Unesco world heritage sites, and the recent declaration of bak kut teh as a national heritage dish.

Akmal had been pushing for a boycott of KK Mart over the socks issue and vowed to continue doing so despite some leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, saying the matter should not be prolonged.

Akmal, who is also a Melaka executive councillor, said KK Mart’s apology was insufficient, and demanded that apology banners be displayed at all of the chain’s 881 outlets.

Police today said their investigation into the issue has been completed and the investigation papers have been sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Two people have also been charged in court and sentenced to jail as well as fined for making insulting comments on the issue on Facebook.