KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has had her statement recorded by the police following her remarks on the proposed halal certification issue.
She was seen leaving the Bukit Aman compound at around 11.50am on Tuesday (Sept 10).
Kok said that her remarks on the proposed halal certification were specifically addressing the compulsory nature of the proposal.
“My statement on Sept 6 was a response to the minister’s suggestion to have mandatory halal certification for all restaurants that do not sell pork or alcohol. That statement was only on the suggestion to make it mandatory,” she added.
Kok then added that she had never opposed halal certification, including what was proposed by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
When asked why she did not voice her concerns directly to the Prime Minister first, she said that she did not have the opportunity to do so via “internal channels”.
Her lawyer and Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said that there has been no word if the police will call her back for further statements, adding that they would be informed if the need arises.
“Her handphone was not seized. The session took around an hour and a half,” he said.
Kok had voiced her opposition to the proposal requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certificates.
She had said that this could be burdensome to small businesses.
On Tuesday (Sept 3), Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that to enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended.
He added that various agencies would need to be involved in ensuring compliance.
