Teresa Kok, a senior Malaysian politician, is currently under police investigation for questioning the proposed mandatory halal food certifications for certain eateries. Despite her previous comments, she stressed that she did not question halal certification or disrespect Islam. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and DAP chief Anthony Loke have also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that her views did not represent the official stance of the ruling government coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The controversy arose when Ms. Kok requested the government to review a proposal by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, which required restaurants not selling pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification. She argued that making the certification mandatory could add operational challenges and burden small businesses, suggesting that it should be voluntary based on market demand. This statement led to a police investigation under relevant sections of the Penal Code and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act.
In response to the investigation, Ms. Kok defended herself on Facebook, stating her support for the government’s efforts to promote halal certification in the food and beverage industry. She highlighted that JAKIM, the federal government agency administering Islamic affairs in Malaysia, upholds one of the highest standards in the world for halal certification. Various political parties and figures criticized her call for a government review, while some, like former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, expressed support for her and warned against viewing her as a troublemaker.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that Ms. Kok’s views were not the official stance of PH and suggested that she should have raised her concerns through proper channels. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke emphasized Ms. Kok’s duty to express her views on matters affecting the public, pointing out the concerns of non-Muslim restaurants that could be affected by mandatory halal certification. Ms. Kok served as Minister of Primary Industries in the PH administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and has faced previous legal issues, including charges of sedition in 2014 and a threatening incident earlier this year.
Despite the controversy surrounding her comments on halal food certification, Ms. Kok maintains her stance that halal certification should be voluntary rather than mandatory. Police investigations continue under the relevant provisions concerning religious offences and public mischief. The issue remains a topic of debate among politicians, with differing opinions on the government’s approach to halal certification policies. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the controversy will impact Ms. Kok’s political career and relationships within the ruling coalition.
