Zaid offers Teresa condolences over probe, DAP's 'meek support'
Published: Sep 9, 2024 12:30 PM
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has defended Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after police launched a probe over her remarks that mandatory halal certification for restaurants would burden businesses and make Malaysia a global mockery.
In a post on X, he offered the DAP lawmaker condolences for her party's secretary-general Anthony Loke’s “meek support” while others kept silent, effectively “throwing her under the bus”.
"Kok, my condolences. Loke’s meek support for Kok was all DAP could do, telling us she was doing her job as an MP.
"What about DAP ministers doing their job about this matter? No, they are just loyal followers who could do nothing more than keep quiet. Simply put, Kok is now thrown under the bus.
"What Kok talked about is a serious matter and should not be dismissed as a troublemaker," Zaid (above) said.
What about Na’im?
He cited Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, who said the 3R (race, religion, royalty) probe is under Sections 298 and 505(b) of the Penal Code, which covers causing religious offence and statements conducive to public mischief.
"Kok had raised a matter involving 3R, but (Islamic Affairs Minister) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar raised the matter first. Will Na’im be investigated?
"Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim then said Kok had made it difficult by not raising the matter internally but instead going public. Does that same rule apply to Na’im?" Zaid asked.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar
Razarudin yesterday said five police reports had been lodged against the DAP lawmaker.
The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was reportedly considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol.
This prompted Kok to object to the plans, prompting an uproar from conservative politicians, including Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Notably, she was not the only politician to voice objections.
The Umno ulama council also said the proposal to make halal certification mandatory is unsuitable for restaurants and food companies owned by Muslims.
Don’t cross the line
Zaid said that it musn't be forgotten that Jakim is a body specially created to deal with Islamic affairs.
"But Islamic matters must not cross the line on non-Muslim affairs. That's the fundamental tenet of our country.
"That’s why Muslim leaders should not be emotional when a non-Muslim leader raises a matter like halal food certification. That issue might have crossed the line. Have a discussion, a civil one.
"The country must always recognise that non-Muslims have rights, too. These rights are not subordinate to others. It stands on its own and will be defended by non-Muslims when they can," he added.
The former lawmaker also highlighted Anwar's remark yesterday that Muslims must be comforted and assured that the food they eat is halal.
"Most Muslims are, and if they are not, shouldn’t they make an effort to find a restaurant that gives them that comfort level?
"If the operator says there is no pork or alcohol, that should be sufficiently assuring, but if you are looking for another level of comfort, walk around the block; you will find the place.
"What about our VIPs who frequently visit foreign capitals? Do they bring Jakim inspectors to inspect the food before they dine at Buckingham Palace or the White House? If they can find comfort level overseas, why not here?” he added.
Halal also about cleanliness
He said that the Quran does not say what’s halal but specifically mentions what’s haram (forbidden).
"If our restaurants owned by non-Muslims do not serve the items described as haram, then it’s halal," he claimed.
"But suppose we want a higher level of purity and comfort. In that case, even food served by Muslim operators can contain impurities and be unhygienic, which can fall under the non-halal category.
"What about school cafeterias dishing out rotten fish? That’s not halal. But of course, Umno says certification is not necessary when the operators are Muslims,” Zaid said.
"So you see, PM, the ramifications for Jakim to issue halal certificates are much more complex than you think," he added.
Razarudin yesterday said five police reports had been lodged against the DAP lawmaker.
The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was reportedly considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol.
This prompted Kok to object to the plans, prompting an uproar from conservative politicians, including Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Notably, she was not the only politician to voice objections.
The Umno ulama council also said the proposal to make halal certification mandatory is unsuitable for restaurants and food companies owned by Muslims.
Don’t cross the line
Zaid said that it musn't be forgotten that Jakim is a body specially created to deal with Islamic affairs.
"But Islamic matters must not cross the line on non-Muslim affairs. That's the fundamental tenet of our country.
"That’s why Muslim leaders should not be emotional when a non-Muslim leader raises a matter like halal food certification. That issue might have crossed the line. Have a discussion, a civil one.
"The country must always recognise that non-Muslims have rights, too. These rights are not subordinate to others. It stands on its own and will be defended by non-Muslims when they can," he added.
The former lawmaker also highlighted Anwar's remark yesterday that Muslims must be comforted and assured that the food they eat is halal.
"Most Muslims are, and if they are not, shouldn’t they make an effort to find a restaurant that gives them that comfort level?
"If the operator says there is no pork or alcohol, that should be sufficiently assuring, but if you are looking for another level of comfort, walk around the block; you will find the place.
"What about our VIPs who frequently visit foreign capitals? Do they bring Jakim inspectors to inspect the food before they dine at Buckingham Palace or the White House? If they can find comfort level overseas, why not here?” he added.
Halal also about cleanliness
He said that the Quran does not say what’s halal but specifically mentions what’s haram (forbidden).
"If our restaurants owned by non-Muslims do not serve the items described as haram, then it’s halal," he claimed.
"But suppose we want a higher level of purity and comfort. In that case, even food served by Muslim operators can contain impurities and be unhygienic, which can fall under the non-halal category.
"What about school cafeterias dishing out rotten fish? That’s not halal. But of course, Umno says certification is not necessary when the operators are Muslims,” Zaid said.
"So you see, PM, the ramifications for Jakim to issue halal certificates are much more complex than you think," he added.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok
Zaid clarified that he was not defending Kok as an individual but on principle.
"I resigned when she was detained under ISA (Internal Security Act) 15 years ago. But then it was not about her but about preventive detention without trial on civilians.
"Similarly, I don’t think she deserves a police investigation for bringing up a matter of public interest that could quickly be resolved with common sense," he said.
Zaid clarified that he was not defending Kok as an individual but on principle.
"I resigned when she was detained under ISA (Internal Security Act) 15 years ago. But then it was not about her but about preventive detention without trial on civilians.
"Similarly, I don’t think she deserves a police investigation for bringing up a matter of public interest that could quickly be resolved with common sense," he said.
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