KUALA LUMPUR - "I am not questioning the halal certification, the role of the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), or disrespecting the religion of Islam."
These were the words of Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok, who was present at Bukit Aman today to provide a statement to assist in the investigation regarding her comments on the issue of halal certification.
Kok said she also informed foreign investors that Malaysia's halal certification was the highest standard in the world.
"I have been promoting Malaysia's halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry and Investment," she said.
Kok said her original statement was in response to the proposal made by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar regarding a mandatory regulation currently being studied by Jakim.
"I have given full cooperation to the police investigation and hope that this issue will subside and the situation will calm down," she said.
Kok arrived at Bukit Aman at 9.42am and entered with her lawyers, Syahredzan Johan and Ramkarpal Singh at 9.45am.
She was seen leaving Bukit Aman at 11.55 am after which she held a press conference at the parking area in front of Bukit Aman.
Meanwhile, Syahredzan said the investigation was carried out following a police report regarding Kok's statement on the issue.
"Twenty questions were asked to Kok and her statement was recorded for an hour and a half," he added.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain was reported as saying that Kok came to give her statement at the Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT), Prosecution and Legal Division (D5), Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
Several other witnesses, including those from Jakim, will be called later.
On Sunday, Sinar reported that the police had opened an investigation paper under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Razarudin said the standard operating procedure (SOP) for investigating 3R (religion, royalty, race) cases would be followed once the police report was received.
He added that the report received was due to dissatisfaction from individuals, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Razarudin said although freedom of speech was allowed under the Federal Constitution, there were limits that must be observed.
The police advised all Malaysians not to issue or respond to statements that could provoke public unrest and racial tensions.
Previously, Kok was reported to have said the proposal to require restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification has the potential to increase the burden on businesses, including thousands of Malay restaurant operators.
She noted that such a move would contradict the spirit of cultural diversity and could subject Malaysia to ridicule abroad.