Halal issue: MCMC denies removing Umno Youth chief's Instagram post

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) denied playing a part in taking down Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s Instagram post.

“MCMC did not make any request to take down content related to Akmal’s posting,” it told Malaysiakini.

Earlier today, Akmal said his post on Instagram addressing DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii was taken down.

In a statement on Facebook, he asked Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to explain the matter.

He shared a screenshot of Instagram notifying him that his account was not affected by the decision to take down his post.

He had been involved in a back-and-forth with Yii over DAP leader Teresa Kok’s remarks that making halal certification mandatory for restaurants could become a burden to businesses.

The post that was taken down involved Akmal firing back at Yii by asking who started the controversy over the mandatory halal certification proposal, seemingly implying that it was Kok.

He told Yii to teach the senior leaders of his party to be civil and not involve themselves with Malay-Muslim issues.

Before that, Yii said Akmal should have engaged the DAP vice-chairperson in debate and not resort to name-calling.

This was because Akmal called the Seputeh MP a “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya), saying she should not have interfered in Islamic affairs related to halal certification and suggesting she should have a non-halal logo pasted on her forehead.

Compulsory halal cert

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.

The controversy began when Kok said the proposed move could potentially increase the burden on businesses, including thousands of Malay restaurant operators.

She said it went against the spirit of cultural diversity and may make Malaysia an object of ridicule abroad.

Kok’s criticism of the mandatory certification proposal caused an uproar among conservative politicians including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

Police are also investigating her for allegedly causing religious offence and making statements conducive to public mischief.

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