OUTSPOKEN PKR MP Hassan Abdul Karim has questioned the double standards applied in the investigation against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over the halal certification issue.
The Pasir Gudang lawmaker said it was the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar who first sparked the controversy by announcing the matter without cabinet approval, while Kok was merely responding 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,” he said in a statement.
“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?”
Kok was questioned by Bukit Aman police over remarks that making halal certification mandatory for restaurants could burden businesses.
The DAP vice-chairman is being probed for touching on matters related to 3R (race, religion and royalty).
Hassan said Teresa was acting as an MP and was only responding to Na’im's remark on the matter.
According to him, the issue was still being discussed at Jakim’s level and was yet to be escalated to the cabinet.
Hassan said Na'im was unprofessional and wrong for making such a hasty announcement without the cabinet’s approval.
Meanwhile, Pusat Komas slammed Umno Youth chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh for his inappropriate remarks against Kok.
The rights group also said a double standard was being applied.
“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 Malaysia’s 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.
In responding to Kok, Akmal had called the three term MP an “old Nyonya” who should not have interfered in Islamic affairs related to halal certification and said he would ask the government to prepare a non-halal logo to stick on her forehead.
“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 said.
It urged the authorities to drop the probe against Kok and focus on addressing the “hate speech and incitement to violence” allegedly perpetrated by Akmal instead. – September 10, 2024.
