Ismail denies Umno-PAS behind boycott campaign

Ismail Sabri, Umno vice-president and parliamentary opposition leader.

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Ismail Sabri has denied Umno-PAS involvement in a campaign on social media to boycott non-Bumiputera products, and he rejected an allegation by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng of the two parties being behind the movement.

Ismail said even if there was a campaign by a private organisation, it would be for Muslims to buy halal products from Muslim traders, based on their obligation to only consume or use products that were halal (ritually clean).

“Muslims are aware of this halal product (issue) after too many instances of non-Muslim products being found to use Islamic names to deceive consumers,” said Ismail, who is a vice-president of Umno.

Ismail’s statement contained hashtags calling on the people to go against the DAP, a member of the current coalition government.

Ismail claimed that there were non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs who had betrayed consumers by ignoring halal requirements.

Yesterday, Lim had urged PAS and Umno to help end the boycott of non-Bumiputera products, stating the campaign was unprofitable and could jeopardise national unity.

Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, had said PAS and Umno should oppose the boycott if both parties were truly not hostile to non-Muslims and non-Malays.

But Ismail described Lim’s statement as malicious and irresponsible in accusing the Malays or Bumiputeras, in particular Umno and PAS of involvement in the campaign.

Lim should respect the decision made by consumers who are aware of their rights. If the campaign was indeed being held, it would open new ventures for Muslims and indirectly boost their economy.

On Friday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was reported to have called for the campaign to be halted because it was ineffective and would only provoke anger. - FMT