My press statement dated 6 September 2024 asking the government to review the proposal of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar to oblige restaurants that do not sell pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification has caused many misunderstandings from some parties, and I was accused of not understanding Islam and not supporting halal certification.
Here, I would like to sincerely emphasize my position on the issue of halal certification:
1. I support the government’s efforts, especially JAKIM, to promote halal certification in the food and beverage industry. In fact, the standard used by JAKIM in halal certification is among the highest in the world.
I have been promoting Malaysian halal certification to foreign countries since I held the post of Exco for Trade Industry and Investment in Selangor back in 2008 till today. In many meetings with business delegations and foreign government agencies, one of the agendas I raised was asking them to get halal certification from Malaysia if they wanted to export any food to Malaysia or to other Muslim countries.
2. As a Member of Parliament, I am responsible for voicing the problems and voices of the people of various races. That is why I asked the government to review this proposal. My statement does not at all mean that I question halal certification, JAKIM’s role, or disrespect Islam.
3. I take note of YAB Prime Minister’s response regarding my statement but would like to clarify that I cannot raise my views through internal channels, because the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) raised this proposal through an open forum without engaging with representatives people first. As such, I have no opportunity to convey views through internal channels.
4. I will give full cooperation to the PDRM who wants to call me to testify.
Teresa Kok
