Stop halal cert polemics as they harm Islam - Kelantan mufti

 

Kelantan mufti Mohamad Shukri Mohamad urged all parties to stop issuing controversial statements about the proposed mandatory halal certification.

He told Malaysiakini that he was making this call because such heated debates end up harming Islam.

He explained that anyone unsatisfied over the issue should get an explanation from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) instead of debating in public which ends up making the situation more difficult.

“For me, we should discuss this issue as best as possible, no matter what. I think Jakim has room to discuss more wisely.

“I really don’t like these polemics which ultimately harm the position of Muslims.

“I prefer that we don’t bother discussing the issue openly, it is not beneficial to Islam. I see that when it is open to the public, it does not bring good, but bad for Islam.

“We should take it to certain people who have the ability to discuss the matter,” he told Malaysiakini.

Shukri said this in response to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement that non-Muslim eateries without halal certification should not accept Muslim customers or market themselves as Muslim-friendly.

Takiyuddin said this when commenting on Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s previous statement on the proposal to require non-Muslim restaurants that do not serve pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification from Jakim.

Meanwhile, Shukri said if DAP leaders are not satisfied with Jakim’s decision, they can directly refer to the body.

He said Jakim is a body that is trusted to manage halal certification that is recognised worldwide

“When our Islamic matters are open to the public, those who should discuss (the authorities) do not discuss, and those who should not discuss, do.

“I think in this matter, we should call everyone, DAP included, to sit at the same table. There needs to be a negotiation, there should be an explanation,” he added. - Mkini