Don’t fight over a mere proposal, says minister

 

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said discussions over the proposal for halal certificates for restaurants should not disrupt unity. (Bernama pic)

PUCHONG: 

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar has reminded all parties to not fight over the proposal to mandate certain restaurants and food companies to obtain halal certification.

Na’im said the proposal is still in the conceptual stage and there is no certainty that it will be implemented.

Don’t let a proposal that has not yet been decided on lead to unnecessary conflict,

 he told reporters after an event today.

A study (on it) has not yet been conducted. It is merely a proposal for further examination. We are simply considering ideas, not making policy decisions at this stage.

Na’im explained that any study on the matter would involve engagement with stakeholders, including with the states, due to their jurisdiction over halal issues, before being presented to the Cabinet.

He also reminded the public that discussions on such matters should not disrupt unity as the main concern should be maintaining harmony.

Last week, Na’im said the Islamic development department (Jakim) was considering a proposal for halal certification to be made mandatory for eateries that do not serve pork and alcohol, adding that it was currently being done voluntarily.

In response, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok called for the halal certification to remain voluntary, saying the government should allow business operators to decide based on market demand rather than forcing them as it would add to the cost of doing business.

Her remarks irked several parties, including Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim distanced himself from Kok, saying her views were personal and not that of Pakatan Harapan. - FMT