THE statement made by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok Suh Sim on the halal certification issue does not represent the stance of Pakatan Harapan (PH), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar stated that the DAP vice president’s comment had sparked unnecessary controversy among the public in the country.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, advised political leaders to raise any suggestions or concerns about certain matters during meetings so they can be thoroughly reviewed.
“There’s no need for this, as it creates irrelevant controversy within our society.
“There are issues.. regulations are necessary so that Muslims do not have doubts. However, if she (Kok) feels that such regulations are not needed in certain areas, then discuss it properly,” he said while officiating the Seremban Rest and Service Area (southbound) here today.
Meanwhile, UMNO Youth Chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh criticised Kok for opposing the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies.
He argued that halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) involves more than just prohibiting alcohol and pork; it also covers food preparation and sourcing.
“I want to tell you… it used to take months to get a halal certificate. Today, we have shortened it to just 23 days to obtain the halal certificate.
“So, what’s your problem with this halal certification? If you don’t like it, it doesn’t concern you,” he said through his TikTok account yesterday (Sept 7).
He dismissed Kok’s concerns about the certification adding to the burden on businesses and claimed her stance undermines the country’s reputation.
@drakmalsaleh Kepada nyonya tua teresa kok,kamu yang sebenarnya memalukan negara!!! Jangan sentuh isu agama kami!!! #pemudaumnomalaysia ♬ Action – Syafeea library
Dr Akmal, who is also the Merlimau state assemblyman claimed that Teresa’s actions are actually embarrassing the country and are often disruptive to harmony.
“If you don’t know about our religion, don’t speak. It’s better for you to stay silent,” he said.
Kok had argued that halal certification should be voluntary and that making it mandatory could complicate business operations particularly for small businesses and could be seen as contrary to Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
This debate followed a statement from Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar who announced that JAKIM is reviewing the proposal for mandatory halal certification. – Sept 8, 2024
