'Buying Muslim-made products first not racist, gives people choice'

Former Pulau Betong assemblyperson Muhammad Farid Saad today denied that the preferential purchasing of products made by Muslims is "racist or divisive."

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Farid said that the campaign to buy such products first gives Muslims the power to choose.

"Everyone wants to eat. They want to buy. The difference is, where and what do they want to buy? Economic activities will continue as long as people buy.

"If we throw away the Muslim and non-Muslim labels, people would still continue to buy and the economy will continue to grow," the Umno leader said.

"There may be economic wars or racial sentiments. The government should promote the economy. Muslim products used to be ignored, but now they have gained popularity. 

"If people prefer non-Muslim products, then why do they search for or promote Muslim products? So that our economy will be balanced," he added.

The boycott, which started on social media, urges bumiputera to boycott products produced by non-bumiputera.

At the same time, PAS is promoting a campaign to prioritise Muslim-made products, which they said was misunderstood by DAP as a boycott.

This is after DAP's Lim on Sunday urged PAS and Umno to speak out against the campaign.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today described the boycott as unhealthy, while Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it would not benefit anyone.

Farid said that if Muslims feel a product is "non-halal, impure and not clean," they will choose products which are to their preference.

"Government ministers like (de facto Islamic Affairs Minister) Mujahid Yusof Rawa had also promoted halal products, since its a campaign promoted by the government, people follow it."

"It's nothing racist, it's the people's choice," he said. - Mkini