By Jayden Lisandu, 12-9-2024
KOTA KINABALU : Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) has described the torrent of criticisms, police reports and subsequent police criminal investigation against DAP Publicity Chief Teresa Kok for her alleged remarks on halal certification as unwarranted and unnecessary.
ANAK NEGERI Supreme Council Member, Dr Edwin Bosi, said, he was dismayed by the hostile reaction, and the fact that comments on halal certification could become highly seditious.
Bosi who was formerly the Kepayan State Assemblyman said the mandatory halal certification for all food eateries that serve no pork and no alcohol as proposed by the Minster in the prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar is a public policy proposal, not a religious edict.
"I understand the political sensitivity of commenting on Islamic religious edict, but I do not understand why Non Muslim political leaders cannot comment on public policies such as a mandatory halal certification which are applicable to both Muslim and Non Muslim food eateries."
"I strongly feel the police investigation on Teresa Kok is not only unwarranted and unnecessary, but also a travesty of justice and a total mockery to our democratic system."
Bosi urge the police to quickly wrapp up their investigation, absolve her of the alleged crime and stop the antics of political intimidation against her."
Bosi said instead of making police reports, concerned political leaders should engage in a dialog or public discussion over the matter.
Meanwhile, Bosi noted that halal certification is voluntary in Sabah and urged the Sabah State government to keep the status quo.
He said Sabah must continue to manage its own halal certification under Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah (MUIS) and reject any attempt by JAKIM, a Federal Agency, to enforce their proposed policies in Sabah.
He said the introduction and enforcement of mandatory halal certification will be a huge financial and operational burden to small Muslim and non Muslim food vendors.
"Most street stalls or vendors in Sabah do not have the necessary resources to apply and fulfill the strict requirements of the halal certification," he added.#
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