Cops probing Teresa over 3R, religious offence, public mischief

• UPDATED 6.54PM | Added Loke’s statement on police probe.

Police have opened investigation papers against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over her remarks that making halal certification mandatory for restaurants could become a burden to businesses and lead Malaysia to global ridicule.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain 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.

Harian Metro quoted Razarudin (above) as saying that Kok is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act which covers misuse of network facilities.

Razarudin said five police reports had been lodged against the DAP lawmaker.

In a statement afterwards, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said that the party's legal bureau would be accompanying Kok to the police questioning.

He added that DAP's leadership is confident that the Seputeh MP had not broken any laws and had only been carrying out her duties as an MP when expressing her views on government policies.

Reactions to Jakim's plans

The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was reported to be 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.

Its deputy chairperson, Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, emphasised that Muslims are already bound by religious principles concerning halal and haram, cleanliness, and purity.

Razarudin today advised the public not to issue statements that cause public alarm or fan interethnic tensions.

"Even though freedom of speech is allowed under the Federal Constitution, there are limits.

"Statements of such (inflammatory) nature is an offence under the Penal Code as they are conducive to public mischief.

"Police also urge all to abide by the Rukun Negara principles," he added.

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