Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has made it clear that friends or foes alike would not be spared when it comes to issues concerning 3R (race, religion and royalty).
Akmal, who had condemned DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok over her remarks on the halal certification issue, was responding to Malaysiakini report that MCA vice-president Wee Jeck Seng had also criticised the matter.
“Whoever touches on 3R will not be exempted,” he replied in a text message.
However, when asked if this meant Umno Youth would lodge a police report against Wee, he did not respond.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that several hours before Kok commented on the matter, the MCA leader had issued a media statement in Chinese criticising the coalition government for policies infringing on the freedom and rights of non-Muslims.
Pointing out that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country, Wee said mandatory measures based on a specific religion would be unfair to other communities.
"Whether or not to apply for halal certification should be a decision made by businesses based on market demand and their commercial considerations.
“The government should not impose this requirement, especially since these restaurants and companies do not primarily cater to Muslim consumers,” he added.
Controversial proposal
Both Wee and Kok were responding to the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) mulling a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Apart from raising operational costs, the MCA leader also said that it would hinder the development of a diverse market and impact Malaysia’s international image.
Unlike Kok's statement which was issued in English and BN, Wee’s statement was only published by the Chinese-language media.
Following a slew of police reports, the DAP leader was summoned to the Bukit Aman federal headquarters for questioning this morning.
Refuting claims that she had intended to belittle Islam, Kok said she voiced concerns and addressed issues faced by people on the ground as part of her duty as an MP. - Mkini
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