Anwar Criticises Teresa Kok's Halal Certification Comments. Here's What You Need To Know
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Seputeh MP Teresa Kok's comments have stirred "unnecessary controversy".
By Yap Wan Xiang — 09 Sep 2024, 01:06 PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his disapproval of fellow parliamentarian Teresa Kok's comments on halal certification, stating that she has stirred "unnecessary controversy"
According to Berita Harian, Anwar said Kok's remarks do not reflect the position of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Instead, Anwar, who is the PH chairman, said Kok should have addressed the issue in a relevant meeting before discussing it publicly.
"There's no need to create unnecessary controversy within our society.
"Certain regulations are needed to give Muslims peace of mind. If [Kok] feels that the regulations are unnecessary in a certain area, discuss it properly [in the appropriate setting]," the Malay daily quoted him as saying.
Anwar added that while Kok, who is also the DAP vice chairperson, is free to represent certain parties on the issue, her public statement only complicates matters
"We need to manage both Muslim and non-Muslim sentiments. Her approach should be to discuss properly first. [She should not] showcase individual prowess.
"Our country is currently in a good state; politics is stable, international recognition is positive, and the economy is rising.
"Therefore, there is no space for issues that could undermine national harmony and prosperity," said the prime minister.
Last Friday, 6 September, Kok issued a statement objecting to the Islamic Development Department's (JAKIM) proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol
In a Facebook post, she said the move would burden businesses, including those operated by Muslims, hinder consumers' freedom of choice, and is against the spirit of cultural diversity.
She also mentioned that the implementation could make Malaysia a "laughingstock abroad".
The former primary industries minister stated that applying for halal certifications should be voluntary, allowing entrepreneurs to decide based on market demand.
"Malaysia currently does not have a law requiring restaurants to apply for halal certification. This mandatory implementation conflicts with existing laws and may require amendments to various regulations," she said.
Responding to Anwar's criticism yesterday, Kok stated that she could not address her views through internal channels because the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, raised the proposal in an open forum without prior engagement with representatives.
According to the New Straits Times, Kok is currently under police investigation for matters related to the 3R issues (race, religion, royalty).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the Seputeh MP will be probed under Sections 298 and 505(b) of the Penal Code for wounding religious feelings and causing public fear.
She will also be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
Meanwhile, UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh also criticised Kok's remarks, arguing that the halal certificate encompasses more than just regulating alcohol and pork
He stated that the process to obtain a halal certificate has shortened from months to 23 days.
"So, what's your problem, [Kok], with this halal certificate? It doesn't involve you even if you don't like it.
"In fact, having you as an MP who disrupts national harmony is the actual 'laughingstock' of the country.
"If you don't understand our religion, it's best not to comment on it," he said in a video published on Saturday.
Watch Akmal's response to Kok's statement below:
Since the controversy, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has defended Kok, saying that she was simply reflecting the concerns of the non-Muslim community.
"As an MP, she has the responsibility to express views that she may have received from her voters," Sinar Harian quoted Loke as saying yesterday.
JAKIM's proposal to make halal certification mandatory comes after the department revealed six popular restaurant chains, commonly found in malls, are not halal-certified
At a press conference last Friday, Mohd Na'im urged Muslims to more be vigilant in verifying the halal status of restaurants by using JAKIM's Halal Malaysia Portal.
He emphasised that consumer awareness can increase pressure on restaurant operators to obtain halal certificates, reported FMT.
According to the official parliament portal, Mohd Na'im is a Senator appointed by the King and is not affiliated with any political party.
