Halal issue: Party indiscipline was how Harapan govt fell, PSM warns

Halal issue: Party indiscipline was how Harapan govt fell, PSM warns


Published: Sep 9, 2024 10:40 PM


Lack of consultation and discipline among its lawmakers was how the Pakatan Harapan federal administration collapsed, said Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan.

Drawing a comparison to the current Madani government, he said, just like before, Harapan is delivering on promises it did not make instead of living up to its reformist manifesto.

“Now the police once again are forced to investigate multiple police reports under 3R (race, religion, and royalty) when these comments are really general concerns and protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution on freedom of expression.

“The prime minister needs to keep his unity government in unity,” said Arutchelvan in a statement.

He was commenting on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks regarding Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.

Yesterday, Anwar clarified that the DAP vice-chairperson’s statement against a proposal for mandatory halal certification did not represent Harapan’s stance.

He said Kok’s statement on the matter sparked an unnecessary and irrelevant controversy.

The day before, Kok said the proposed move could increase the burden on businesses, including thousands of Malay restaurant operators.

This came after reports that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was mulling a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Kok’s criticism of the mandatory halal certification proposal caused an uproar among conservative politicians including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

The police are also investigating her for allegedly causing religious offence and making statements conducive to public mischief.