“I don’t think he was arrested, but was just called in (for questioning),” Anwar told reporters here.

He reminded the public against using the controversy surrounding the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” to instigate others, saying the government would not compromise on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.

Akmal had said this morning he was detained at the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters despite being scheduled to give a statement at the Dang Wangi police station tomorrow.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain later confirmed receiving two reports on Akmal’s statements on the socks issue, and that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.

The recording of Akmal’s statement comes amid his push for a boycott of KK Mart, which became the centre of controversy after socks bearing the word “Allah” were found being sold at its Bandar Sunway outlet.

He has continued to spearhead the movement against the chain, despite the immediate apology tendered by its founder Chai Kee Kan, the court action against Chai and director Loh Siew Mui, and a call by the king not to prolong the controversy.

Since the boycott started, three KK Mart outlets – at Bidor, Perak; Kuantan, Pahang; and Kuching, Sarawak – have been attacked with petrol bombs.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook played down suggestions that developments surrounding Akmal would cause friction in the unity government.

Loke said the police were merely discharging their duties, and “it doesn’t mean that anybody from the government or those belonging to parties in the government cannot be questioned”.

He also said party stalwart Lim Kit Siang had been questioned by the police before, “but we (DAP) did not raise (the issue)”.