Christmas decorations have nothing to do with halal status, says Akmal

The Umno Youth chief and Melaka exco member calls on the state authorities to review a circular purportedly banning such decorations in halal-certified outlets.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said several muftis agreed with him that the halal status of food and drinks is dependent only on their origins and preparation. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has disagreed with a purported ban on Christmas decorations at halal-certified eateries and hotels, saying it has no bearing whatsoever on the halal status of the food sold.

The Merlimau assemblyman also called on the Melaka Islamic religious affairs department (Jaim) to review the said circular.

“For example, what would be wrong with a halal-certified restaurant owned by non-Muslims putting up ‘Merry Christmas’ decorations?

“As long as the food and drinks do not come from haram sources, I believe the food remains halal,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Akmal said he had also discussed the matter with several muftis, who agreed with him that the halal status of food and drinks is dependent only on their origins and preparation.

“Decorations have nothing to do with this,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee asking the Melaka government to confirm the veracity of the circular allegedly issued by Jaim.

The DAP man said if it is true, the directive would be a backward move for Melaka and must be corrected by the state government.

The circular states the department had received enquiries about Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and food premises in Melaka.

It states Christmas decorations are not permitted on the premises of any halal-certified hotel or outlet in Melaka since Christmas is a religious celebration, not cultural, and may “cause faith-related issues”.

It said hotel managements may put up such decorations in “areas of the hotel that are not halal-certified”. - FMT