DAP Defends Teresa Kok Over Halal Cert Remarks & Claims That She Didn't Touch On 3R Issues
The Seputeh MP is currently being investigated for several offences, including wounding religious feelings.
DAP has defended Seputeh member of parliament (MP) Teresa Kok over her comments last week on halal certification, asserting that her remarks did not touch on 3R issues (race, religion, and royalty)
In a press conference at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman yesterday, 10 September, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng stated that the party would support Kok and provide her with legal assistance if she is charged, reported Sinar Harian.
Reiterating the sentiments of DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Lim emphasised that Kok was merely fulfilling her role as an MP by voicing out the concerns of various parties.
"This is not a 3R issue, despite some accusations.
"People from all walks of life, including the Muslim community, have shared their views.
"We leave it to the police to conduct their investigation and hope all parties handle this matter calmly and professionally," Lim said, accompanied by supporters and party lawyers Ramkarpal Singh and Syahredzan Johan.
Left to right: Teresa Kok and Lim Guan Eng speaking to reporters at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman yesterday, 10 September.
Image via Utusan Malaysia
The police have received over 50 reports against Kok for her comments opposing the mandatory halal certification for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol
The Seputeh MP, who is also the DAP vice-chairperson, spent around 90 minutes providing her statement at the classified criminal investigation unit office in Bukit Aman on Tuesday.
Syahredzan said Kok is being investigated under Sections 298 and 505(b) of the Penal Code for wounding religious feelings and making statements conducive to public mischief, reported the New Straits Times.
She is also being probed under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act for the misuse of network facilities.
Syahredzan Johan (middle) accompanying Teresa Kok (right) while her statement was being taken at Bukit Aman yesterday.
Image via Aswadi Alias/Harian Metro
Meanwhile, Kok is considering filing a legal action against UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for his retort against her mandatory halal certification remarks
Akmal had said on Saturday, 7 September, that Kok was the laughingstock of the country for disrupting national harmony and advised her to avoid commenting on matters unrelated to her.
In response, Akmal welcomed the Seputeh MP to sue him.
"I want to tell Teresa Kok... bring it on, I am not afraid... no fear, no surrender. We'll see you in court," he said in a video posted on his Facebook page yesterday.
Below is Akmal's response to Kok:
The issue escalated after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his disapproval of Kok's comments on the issue:
Last week, JAKIM confirmed that five restaurant chains are not halal-certified, which later prompted Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar to suggest mandatory halal certification:
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