Catholic MP questioned over criticism of mandatory Hahal certification
Teresa Kok, a six-time MP with the Democratic Action Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, is in the crosshairs for questioning a proposal seen as too burdensome for small businesses. During questioning, she stressed that she did not “disrespect Islam”.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Food has become another battleground in Malaysia over Halal certification and compliance with Islamic rules.
At the centre of the controversy is a veteran Catholic politician, Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh, who was questioned by police as part of an investigating into her comments about a halal certification proposal made by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Teresa Kok (pictured), whose Democratic Action Party is a key member of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition government, recently called for a review of a proposal made by Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar at the recent 2024 International Conference on Family Law in Kuala Lumpur that would make halal certification mandatory.
Mokhtar minister wants all restaurants to be certified, a proposal deemed overly onerous and costly for small businesses.
Speaking about the affair, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim distanced himself from Kok over her statement, saying that her thoughts do not reflect any consensus in his unity government.
As a result of Kok’s remarks, police recently summoned the six-time Catholic MP to provide a statement as part of its investigation to determine if she caused public alarm.
The allegations against her are that she opposed the minister's proposal and used online platforms to share “offensive content”.
Once completed, the case will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers, said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who added that witnesses, including Kok, were called to make a statement to complete the investigation.
Kok’s lawyer, Syahredzan, said she was questioned for an hour and a half, answering 20 questions related to the investigation.
According to the lawyer, the Catholic politician stressed that a mandatory halal certification would be a burden on small businesses, entailing higher costs and more operating burdens.
For this reason, she asked for a review of the proposal, saying that certification should remain voluntary for businesses based on market demands.
Speaking to local media, Kok reiterated her respect for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Islam. “I did not question halal certification, Jakim’s role, or disrespect Islam,” she told the Sinar Daily.
“I have been promoting Malaysia’s halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry, and Investment,” Kok explained. “Malaysia’s halal certification is one of the highest standards in the world,” she explained. “I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and hope the issue will be resolved peacefully.”
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07/02/2019 17:28
