Halal cert: PKR MP questions if there are double standards in probe on Teresa
Published: Sep 10, 2024 2:30 PM
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has questioned whether there are elements of double standards involved in the police probe against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over the halal certification issue.
The PKR lawmaker pointed out that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar was first to court “controversy” by announcing the matter without cabinet approval, and Kok merely responded to it.
“The first question we should ask is whether Na’im’s remark about the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) mulling a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol was discussed in the cabinet.
“Secondly, can the minister announce in public, a law-related public policy that is yet to be greenlit by the cabinet?
“This brings us to the third question - to be fair and honest, who sparked this controversy? Was it Kok or the Islamic affairs minister?” Hassan asked in a statement today.
Police are questioning Kok today at the Bukit Aman police headquarters over her remarks that making halal certification mandatory for restaurants could burden businesses.
The DAP vice-chairperson is being probed for infringing on matters related to 3R (race, religion and royalty).
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok
Hassan elaborated that Kok was merely responding to Na’im’s remark on the matter, which is still being discussed at Jakim’s level.
“If Kok’s statement is being probed under 3R for offending the sensitivities of the Muslims, can Na’im’s announcement about a proposal which is not yet approved by the cabinet, be deemed to offend the sensitivities of the non-Muslims?
“Does a 3R violation only occur when Muslims feel restless, fearful and angry, and is it the other way round if the non-Muslims are involved?
“Is there a two-tier legal system in our beloved Malaysia?” Hassan asked.
Hasty announcement
Hassan clarified that he was all for the halal policy to be implemented in a relevant way in multiracial Malaysia.
However, he said Na’im’s sudden and hasty announcement of the proposed measure was “wrong and unprofessional.”
Hassan elaborated that Kok was merely responding to Na’im’s remark on the matter, which is still being discussed at Jakim’s level.
“If Kok’s statement is being probed under 3R for offending the sensitivities of the Muslims, can Na’im’s announcement about a proposal which is not yet approved by the cabinet, be deemed to offend the sensitivities of the non-Muslims?
“Does a 3R violation only occur when Muslims feel restless, fearful and angry, and is it the other way round if the non-Muslims are involved?
“Is there a two-tier legal system in our beloved Malaysia?” Hassan asked.
Hasty announcement
Hassan clarified that he was all for the halal policy to be implemented in a relevant way in multiracial Malaysia.
However, he said Na’im’s sudden and hasty announcement of the proposed measure was “wrong and unprofessional.”
Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar
“Na’im should have ordered a thorough study of the proposal to impose a mandatory halal certification policy for non-Muslim restaurants.
“It should then be brought to the cabinet for deliberation by Muslim and non-Muslim ministers alike," Hassan said, adding that if the cabinet agrees in principle to the proposal, the matter should then be escalated to the Law Minister's Office and the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Na’im should then engage with Islamic and non-Muslim organisations as well as restaurateurs for discussions, he added.
"If all the parties involved agree to the proposal, then the matter should be brought to the cabinet to be turned into a mandatory halal certification law.
"Yes, it's (the process) tedious, slow, and involves a lot of work. But this is what is called good governance."
Once such consultations are done and the law is passed, Kok would not have any objections to the matter, Hassan said.
"Then, we will be saved from division among the people in the halal, non-halal issue, and an instance where an MP is probed for 3R offences can be avoided."
Probe Akmal instead
Pusat Komas also decried alleged double standards in the probe against Kok.
According to the rights group, the investigation is a disproportionate response to her comment compared to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s "inflammatory and racist" remarks against her.
“Na’im should have ordered a thorough study of the proposal to impose a mandatory halal certification policy for non-Muslim restaurants.
“It should then be brought to the cabinet for deliberation by Muslim and non-Muslim ministers alike," Hassan said, adding that if the cabinet agrees in principle to the proposal, the matter should then be escalated to the Law Minister's Office and the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Na’im should then engage with Islamic and non-Muslim organisations as well as restaurateurs for discussions, he added.
"If all the parties involved agree to the proposal, then the matter should be brought to the cabinet to be turned into a mandatory halal certification law.
"Yes, it's (the process) tedious, slow, and involves a lot of work. But this is what is called good governance."
Once such consultations are done and the law is passed, Kok would not have any objections to the matter, Hassan said.
"Then, we will be saved from division among the people in the halal, non-halal issue, and an instance where an MP is probed for 3R offences can be avoided."
Probe Akmal instead
Pusat Komas also decried alleged double standards in the probe against Kok.
According to the rights group, the investigation is a disproportionate response to her comment compared to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s "inflammatory and racist" remarks against her.
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh
Akmal slammed Kok as an “old Nyonya” who should not have interfered in Islamic affairs and said he would ask the government to prepare a non-halal logo to stick to her forehead.
"Kok's statements, while critical of the proposed mandatory halal certification, were rooted in concerns about potential economic burdens on businesses and the preservation of cultural diversity.
“Her views were expressed in a reasoned and respectful manner, and she at no point incited hatred or violence against any religious group.
"In stark contrast, Akmal's response was laden with racist and sexist undertones… such remarks are not only deeply offensive but also create a climate of hostility and intolerance towards minority communities," the group said in a statement today.
Hence, why was an investigation launched against Kok, but Akmal got away scot-free, it further wondered.
"This selective enforcement of the law raises serious concerns about the protection of freedom of expression in Malaysia, particularly for those who dare to question policies or practices that may have religious implications."
Pusat Komas called for the authorities to drop the probe against Kok and focus on addressing Akmal’s alleged "hate speech and incitement to violence".
Akmal slammed Kok as an “old Nyonya” who should not have interfered in Islamic affairs and said he would ask the government to prepare a non-halal logo to stick to her forehead.
"Kok's statements, while critical of the proposed mandatory halal certification, were rooted in concerns about potential economic burdens on businesses and the preservation of cultural diversity.
“Her views were expressed in a reasoned and respectful manner, and she at no point incited hatred or violence against any religious group.
"In stark contrast, Akmal's response was laden with racist and sexist undertones… such remarks are not only deeply offensive but also create a climate of hostility and intolerance towards minority communities," the group said in a statement today.
Hence, why was an investigation launched against Kok, but Akmal got away scot-free, it further wondered.
"This selective enforcement of the law raises serious concerns about the protection of freedom of expression in Malaysia, particularly for those who dare to question policies or practices that may have religious implications."
Pusat Komas called for the authorities to drop the probe against Kok and focus on addressing Akmal’s alleged "hate speech and incitement to violence".
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