A top Malaysian politician who is facing police investigation for urging the government to refrain from imposing proposed halal food qualifications on some eateries has argued that her earlier statements did not raise questions about kosher certification or disrespected Islam.  ,
This is in response to the police’s confirmation on Monday ( Sep 9 ) that Teresa Kok, a member of the parliament for Seputeh and Democratic Action Party ( DAP ) vice-chairman, will be called in to give a statement on Tuesday morning over her earlier call.
Over the weekend, DAP main Anthony Loke and prime minister Anwar Ibrahim had also voiced their opinions on the matter. The ruling party, Pakatan Harapan ( PH), is a part of DAP.
In a press statement last Friday, Ms Kok had asked the government to review a proposal by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department ( Religious Affairs ), Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, requiring restaurants that do not sell pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification.
He was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying during a press conference at the International Conference on Sep 5 that” there are no existing laws that require restaurants or food companies to obtain kosher certification.”  ,
He added that more consumers might be urging businesses to apply for the documentation.
His remarks came shortly after the Islamic Development Department ( JAKIM ) of Malaysia revealed that six halal-certified restaurants were available there. The governmental agency in charge of managing Malaysia’s Muslim politics is called JAKIM.
In reply, Mdm Kok said that kosher documentation should be deliberate, allowing businesses to choose based on market need, rather than making it necessary.
She claimed that small businesses would be burdened and would have more functional difficulties if kosher certification was required for restaurants and food companies.
The statement sparked a police investigation under Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act, which relate to public mischief, and offensive online content, as defined in Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 505 ( b ) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act.  ,
” The 3R ( Religion, Monarchy, and Race ) standard operating procedures will be followed, and all witnesses will be called to complete the investigation”, said police General-Inspector Razarudin Husain on Sunday, as quoted in local media, adding that five police reports had been lodged.  ,
On Monday, Mr Razarudin said these witnesses may include JAKIM members.  ,
In a Facebook post on Sunday ( Sep 8 ), Ms Kok had sought to defend herself, saying that she supports the government’s efforts, especially those of JAKIM, to promote halal certification in the food and beverage industry.
I am in charge of voicing the concerns and opinions of people of all races as a Member of Parliament. That is why I asked the government to examine this proposal”, said Mdm Kok.
She continued, “JAKIM uses one of the highest standards in the world when it certifies muslim.”
Madam Kok’s earlier request for a federal review even attracted censure from different political figures and parties.  ,
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made it clear on Sep 8 that Madam Kok’s remarks did not represent PH’s standard position.
Mr. Anwar, who was quoted by Malaysian advertising as saying that Mdm Kok should have “gone through the appropriate channels” and that her statements were unimportant and only had exacerbated the situation, was quoted as saying.
In her Facebook post, Mdm Kok said she took note of the prime minister’s response but added:” I cannot raise my views through internal channels, because the minister in the prime minister’s department ( Religious Affairs ) had raised this proposal through an open forum”.
She added he had done so without engaging with “representatives ( of ) people” first.
The same day as Mr Anwar’s notes, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke called on all quarters to prevent politicising comment regarding the issue.  ,
Mr. Loke claimed in a New Straits Times article that Mdm Kok had a commitment to show her views on issues that affect the general public.
” As an MP, she has the duty to voice her opinions, and what was raised is a problem, especially from non-Muslim franchises, which may also be affected or required to obtain kosher certification”, he added.  ,
Zaid Ibrahim, a former law minister, added that he was in favor of Mdm Kok, who was viewed as a troublemaker and should n’t be subject to police investigation.  ,
” Just put, Teresa is now thrown under the bus”, Mr Zaid said, as quoted in Free Malaysia Now.  ,
He urged Muslim leaders to get mental when a non-Muslim head raises a problem like halal food documentation in an online blog.
From 2018 to 2020, Mdm Kok served as the PH administration’s secretary of major companies under former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
She was charged with insurrection in 2014 at the Sessions Court in connection with a YouTube video she allegedly uploaded in February.  ,
The film reportedly made fun of various issues, including the previous year’s Sulu criminal intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah, and the education program.
The cost was eventually dropped.  ,
In her home’s box, Mdm Kok discovered two guns and a disturbing letter in May of this year, according to local media.  ,