No opportunity to raise halal cert views via internal channels - Teresa

Editor's note: The headline and first three paragraphs of this article have been amended to better reflect Kok's remarks.

In defending her views over the halal certification issue, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok reiterated that she had no opportunity to bring the matter through internal channels as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested.

“It’s because the earlier statement from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had already courted displeasure from several quarters.

“That is why if you look at my social media, I urged the government to review this proposal because I knew it would cause problems, especially for small restaurant operators because the (halal) certification process takes a lot of time and involves additional costs," she said at a press conference after giving her statement to the police today.

Earlier today, Kok, DAP national chairperson Lim Guan Eng and several supporters arrived at Bukit Aman at 9.45am to lend support to Kok.

The DAP lawmaker was accompanied by her lawyer Syahredzan Johan (Bangi MP) and Ramkarpal Singh.

Among others in the group were Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai and Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun.

Two days ago, Anwar advised political leaders to present suggestions or concerns on issues in meetings so they could be thoroughly examined.

This was in response to Kok’s public views over the government’s plan to require pork- and alcohol-free restaurants and food companies to obtain halal certification.

According to Berita Harian, Anwar said Kok’s statement on the matter has sparked an unnecessary and irrelevant controversy.

In a separate report later, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain reportedly told Bernama that the police received 50 reports against Kok as of noon today.

“The investigation papers will be sent to the Attorney-General’s Chambers Office (AGC) within two days,” he said.

Kok is being investigated under Sections 298 and 505(b) of the Penal Code which covers causing religious offence and statements conducive to public mischief.

She is also being probed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 related to the misuse of network facilities.

DAP’s ‘meek support’

Yesterday, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim defended Kok and lashed out at DAP for their “meek support” for their own MP.

“Kok, my condolences. (DAP secretary-general Anthony) Loke’s meek support for Kok was all DAP could do, telling us she was doing her job as an MP.

“What about DAP ministers doing their job about this matter? No, they are just loyal followers who could do nothing more than keep quiet. Simply put, Kok is now thrown under the bus,” he said on X.

Kok reiterated that as an elected leader, she has a responsibility to voice out the grouses and views of her multiracial constituents, which led her to urge the government to reconsider the proposal.

The former plantation industries and commodities minister also stressed that she had never questioned the status of halal certification, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or disrespected Islam.

“I would give full cooperation to the police and I hope everyone remains calm. Besides, everyone has given their views,” she said.

Asked whether she would take legal action against Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over his remarks, Kok replied: “I will be consulting my lawyers after this session.”

On Sept 8, Akmal berated Kok over her views on the issue and called her “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya).

“It doesn’t even involve you, and the real shame of this country is that there are parliamentarians like you, old lady, who endlessly disturb the harmony of the country.

“If you don’t know about our religion, don’t talk.

“You’re better off keeping silent, and I also ask the government to prepare a non-halal logo to stick to the forehead of this old lady,” he was reported as saying.

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