DPM: Cabinet to discuss halal cert issue on Wednesday

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the cabinet will discuss the issue of halal certification in its meeting on Wednesday.

He mentioned that, as of now, the government has not made any decision to make halal certification mandatory for restaurant operators and food companies.

“The question of halal and haram has long been a part of this country.

“Non-Muslim business owners have also sought halal certification, and there is no decision to make it compulsory for all restaurants nationwide. There is no cabinet decision on this.

“That’s why the prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim) has instructed the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, to provide an update this Wednesday on the status of the proposal to study halal certification,” he said.

He was giving a speech at the MIC annual general assembly in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.

Zahid further explained that no one can force non-Muslim business operators to obtain halal certification.

“I understand this. I was once the minister of Islamic affairs. Islam says: your religion is for you, my religion is for me.

“It means that for other religions to respect yours, you must respect theirs,” he added.

MIC chief cites ‘religious freedom’

Earlier, MIC president SA Vigneswaran expressed hope that any halal certification would not restrict the religious images of other faiths from being used on business premises.

“The halal status of food outlets and restaurants plays an important role in ensuring food safety and consumer confidence, especially among Muslim consumers,” said the former Senate president.

“The requirement to obtain halal certification for food outlets, regardless of race or religion, that wish to serve Muslim customers is highly encouraged.

“However, I hope that the conditions for obtaining halal certification do not restrict the use of religious images from other faiths, which are often displayed by non-Muslim restaurant operators at the payment counter as a symbol of their beliefs.

“The freedom to do so is guaranteed by Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which upholds freedom of religion, and the first principle of the Rukun Negara, Belief in God,” he said.

Vigneswaran also highlighted that imposing restrictions on the use of religious images would negatively affect the unity of Malaysia’s multiracial society.

He urged Zahid, as the chairperson of the Malaysian Halal Council, to consider MIC’s concerns.

“For example, when my friends from other races are invited to my Deepavali open house, I do not serve any non-halal food at my home. We only serve vegetarian food and halal chicken and lamb.

“What if a restriction is imposed? Will my Muslim friends not be able to visit my home just because, even though the food is halal, there are Hindu images in my home? Will they be unable to dine at my place?” he mused.

Na'im: Mandatory halal cert just a proposal, nothing decided

Mahkota polls: 'They're not touching on 3R', Muhyiddin says on 'halal' signs

Umno-DAP ties unaffected over halal cert issue, Nga says as polls loom

Teresa meets Jakim, says halal cert polemic was misunderstanding