KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 -- Former minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has hit out at Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh following the controversy on the issue of socks bearing the word "Allah" sold at a local convenience store.

She urged the government to stop such firebrand troublemakers within the ruling coalition who would only divide Malaysians.

Last night, Free Malaysia Today reported Rafidah saying that even Prophet Muhammad had shown "exemplary restrained behaviour" when confronted by those who were hostile towards him.

The former Umno Wanita chief, who did not directly name Akmal, pointed out that Prophet Muhammad did not allow his ego to get in the way.

"If people like the Umno Youth chief cannot even try to emulate our great Prop...