DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii has slammed Merlimau assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for his “sexist and misogynistic” remarks towards Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.
Rather than resorting to name-calling, Yii said Akmal should have engaged Kok in debate following her statement on the Islamic development department’s (JAKIM) proposal to mandate halal certificates for restaurants and food companies.
“The sexist and misogynistic remark made by the UMNO Youth chief towards Kok are downright rude and unbecoming of a youth leader in our nation,” he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 9).
“Such acts should be reprimanded and condemned as they set a bad example to others especially to the youth of our nation as to how a national leader should behave.”
In a TikTok video on Saturday (Sept 7), Akmal had criticised Kok over her remarks that making halal certification mandatory for restaurants could become a burden to businesses and lead Malaysia to global ridicule.
Describing Kok as a “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya), Akmal said Kok should not have interfered in Islamic affairs related to halal certification and suggested that she have a non-halal logo pasted on her forehead.
On this issue, Yii said Kok raised a legitimate concern by the people she represented and even if one disagrees with her points, they can always counter it with facts and arguments instead of name-calling.
“This important matter will be discussed comprehensively by our leaders in Cabinet and should not be made a polemic and be politicised,” Yii stressed.
“We can have different perspectives and views on policies – debate and discuss them in a mature manner. Not calling names, demeaning and being disrespectful to one another.”
Yii, who is also the Bandar Kuching MP, suggested that his UMNO counterpart engage in mature and constructive policies that could set an example, particularly for the youth.
“As a national leader, the priority should be to build bridges and explain the matter, not instigate division,” he remarked.
Recently, JAKIM was reported to be considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol.
This had led to Kok voicing concerns over the proposed move, saying it could increase the burden on businesses, including thousands of Malay restaurant operators.
She added that it was against the spirit of cultural diversity and may make Malaysia an object of ridicule abroad.
“The introduction of compulsory halal certification will increase administrative costs. Halal certification should be voluntary, allowing entrepreneurs to make decisions based on market demand rather than being enforced, which will increase the difficulty of business operations,” she said. – Sept 9, 2024
