KUALA LUMPUR — The cabinet may have decided to keep halal certification voluntary for businesses, but Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh is still adamant that Seputeh MP Teresa Kok had offended “all” Muslims when she spoke against proposed mandatory certification.
Akmal, who gave his statement to police today over his remarks against Kok, remained firm that the DAP politician caused offence.
“This is a sensitive issue and we have repeatedly reminded that sensitive issues should not be raised in order to preserve national harmony.
“I am not attacking any party. I am merely responding to the comments made by Kok, which not only offended me but also all other Malay Muslims in this country,” Akmal told reporters after giving police his statement at the Jasin district police headquarters in Melaka.
“I am leaving it to the police to conduct a proper investigation and InsyaAllah, I will wait and will be ready to fight at the court,” he added
The Merlimau assemblyman had a police report lodged against him by DAP Youth in Seputeh, which is Kok’s constituency.
This was after he accused Kok of playing victim, besides calling her an “old nyonya” and telling the government to print non-halal logo and stick it on her forehead.
Akmal today said his remarks were merely a response to Kok’s call to carefully review a suggestion to impose mandatory halal certification on all food businesses.
He also said he was responding to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii on the same matter, as DAP Sarawak had also filed a police report against him.
The proposal for mandatory halal certification was raised by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar who suggested it for all restaurants and food businesses, including those that do not sell pork and alcohol.
In response, Kok argued that this would burden small businesses, including those run by Malays, by increasing administrative costs and operational difficulties.
Several Malays who run small food business also confirmed these challenges, despite welcoming halal certification.
The Dewan Perniagaan Islam Malaysia (DPIM) also agreed that many micro and small businesses would face obstacles in getting the halal certification due to their inability to adhere to the conditions stipulated, as well as limited financial and operational capabilities.
The cabinet after studying details on the proposal decided on September 18 that halal certification would remain voluntary.
Meanwhile, Kok is suing Akmal for defamation and is seeking RM25 million from him. – September 29, 2024
