Teresa Kok not wrong to speak her mind about halal cert, says Ramasamy

FORMER Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy has defended his old DAP colleague, Teresa Kok, over her remarks regarding the proposal for mandatory halal certification for all food establishments, calling the idea outrageous.

The Urimai pro-tem chairman said there is nothing wrong with the Seputeh MP’s statement about the issue.

“Why are the overzealous race and religion champions so eager to enforce halal certification on all restaurants in the country? Why should non-Malay restaurants not serving pork or alcohol be bothered about the need for halal certification?” the former DAP assemblyman said in a statement today.

On Thursday, Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was considering the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food sellers.

In response, DAP vice-chairman Kok called for halal certification to remain voluntary and urged the government to let business owners decide based on market demand rather than being forced into compliance. She said mandatory halal certification could impose significant burdens on small businesses, restrict consumer freedom, and clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

Kok added that making the certification compulsory might provoke negative reactions domestically and embarrass Malaysia on the international stage. Her comments have since sparked criticism from various groups, including Bersatu youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Umno Youth leader Dr Akmal Saleh, and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has distanced the unity government from Kok, advising her not to cause disunity. Kok is currently under police investigation over her remarks.

Ramasamy questioned the government’s motive behind the proposal, stating that mandatory halal certification would burden food sellers.

“Even small and medium Malay restaurants, barely making ends meet, should not be burdened by halal certification. It’s not a simple matter as it involves costs and could strain these restaurants,” Ramasamy said.

“It doesn’t mean that without halal certification, the restaurants are unclean or unhealthy. Jakim should act with caution and not rush to enforce halal certification,” he added.

He criticised Anwar for his response to Kok.

“Can Anwar clarify the stand of the coalition government? Anwar should not show his tail to religious extremists and his head to non-Malays, like the proverbial eel. Mandatory halal certification on non-Malay restaurants cannot be accepted,” Ramasamy said.

He urged Kok not to be intimidated by the backlash because, as a lawmaker, she is entitled to her opinion.

“Whether there are 10 or 100 police reports, what action can be taken against Kok? She, as an MP, merely voiced her opinion. This is what her constituents want. It doesn’t matter whether Anwar approves of her stand or not. Anwar should stop playing politics with religious matters.” – September 9, 2024.