KUALA LUMPUR — Teresa Kok has denied claims that she questioned the halal certification process, reaffirming her respect for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Islam.
The Seputeh MP clarified her position after being questioned by police at Bukit Aman on Tuesday regarding her earlier comments on the impact of a proposed mandatory halal certification regulation.
“I did not question halal certification, Jakim’s role, or disrespect Islam,” she said, as reported by Sinar Harian.
“I have been promoting Malaysia’s halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry, and Investment,” she said.
“Malaysia’s halal certification is one of the highest standards in the world,” she said.
Kok explained that her remarks were made in response to Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s proposal to mandate halal certification for all businesses, except those selling pork or alcohol.
“I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and hope the issue will be resolved peacefully,” she said.
Kok, accompanied by lawyers Syahredzan Johan and Ramkarpal Singh, arrived at Bukit Aman at 9.42am and left after providing her statement.
Her lawyer, Syahredzan, mentioned that Kok was questioned for one and a half hours, answering 20 questions related to the investigation.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had yesterday confirmed that Kok was assisting the investigation under the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT) D5.
Sinar Harian reported that the investigation was opened under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, based on complaints from individuals and NGOs.
The investigation follows comments made by Kok on September 6 about a proposal from religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar to mandate halal certification for all restaurants and food businesses, except those selling pork or alcoholic drinks.
Kok said making halal certification mandatory would burden small businesses and increase administrative costs and increase operating difficulties.
She had proposed a review of the mandatory halal certification proposal, saying that it should remain voluntary for businesses to obtain halal certificates based on market demands.
The police are also expected to call additional witnesses, including representatives from Jakim, to assist with the investigation.
