Halal certification issue: DAP stands firm with Teresa Kok
Kok spent approximately 90 minutes providing her statement at the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT) office in Bukit Aman.
KUALA LUMPUR - DAP National Chairman Lim Guan Eng has confirmed that the recent statement by Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok, regarding the proposal for mandatory halal certification, did not address the 3R issues—race, religion, and royalty.
Lim reiterated that DAP will continue to support Kok, who is also the party's vice president, and will provide her with legal assistance to ensure she receives a proper defence.
He stated that Kok was simply performing her role as a Member of Parliament by expressing the views and concerns of various parties, including her constituents.
He stressed that Kok should be allowed the space to fulfill her duties.
“This is not a 3R issue, despite some accusations.
"People from all walks of life, including the Muslim community, have shared their views.
“We leave it to the police to conduct their investigation and hope all parties handle this matter calmly and professionally," Lim said at a press conference outside Federal Police Headquarters here today.
Earlier, Kok spent approximately 90 minutes providing her statement at the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT) office in Bukit Aman.
On Monday, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook expressed confidence that Kok's statement did not breach any laws.
He clarified that Kok was simply sharing her perspective as an MP regarding government policy.
Last Thursday, Minister from the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) was considering a proposal to mandate halal certification for restaurants and food companies.
The following day, Kok reportedly argued that halal certification should be voluntary, allowing business owners to make decisions based on market demand rather than facing mandatory requirements.
She claimed that enforcing such certification would complicate business operations and burden small enterprises.
Kok's remarks have faced criticism from various quarters, including Umno leaders, the Opposition, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia. - AWANI
