T'ganu Umno Youth backs Akmal, claims Teresa violated Constitution

Terengganu Umno Youth has expressed support for the wing’s national chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over his remarks against DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok on the halal certification issue.

In a video on Facebook, Terengganu Umno Youth chief Tengku Haphiz Tengku Putera claimed Kok’s statement on the issue violated Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which guarantees religious freedom.

Stressing that the issue has nothing to do with race or politics, he said: “Halal and haram is an extremely sensitive issue for Muslims. We are opposing Teresa Kok not because her name is Teresa Kok or because she is from DAP.”

“What Kok mentioned violates the Federal Constitution. Her statement clearly violates Article 11(4),” he added.

Article 11(4) provides that Parliament and the state assemblies may enact laws to restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

Haphiz (above) declared that Terengganu Umno “totally and solidly declares its undivided support for Akmal” in this issue.

The caption for the video, which was also shared on the Umno Youth chief’s Facebook page, included the latter’s slogan of “No Fear, No Surrender”.

The altercation between Akmal and Kok erupted after the DAP leader called for a review of the proposal to make halal certification mandatory for all eateries, saying it should remain voluntary for businesses to obtain halal certificates based on market demand.

However, certain quarters took offence at her saying the proposal could subject Malaysia to global ridicule if it was enforced. This resulted in a slew of police reports, leading to Kok being summoned for questioning.

Akmal, who accused Kok of meddling with Islamic affairs, lashed out by calling her an “Old Nyonya” and suggested that a “non-halal sticker be plastered on her forehead”.

This also led to police reports being lodged and the Umno Youth leader having to record his statement.

Kok, who subsequently blamed the controversy on ChatGPT and the media’s focus on sensationalist headlines, also initiated legal action against Akmal.

This episode is the latest in a series of disagreements which have strained ties between Umno and DAP, two former adversaries, who are now allies in the Pakatan Harapan-BN coalition government.

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