KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok will be called by Bukit Aman on Tuesday over her remarks on the proposal requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certificates.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police will be recording her statement at the Bukit Aman CID Special Investigation Unit (USJT) office at 10am on Tuesday (Sept 10).
“We will be conducting the investigation as per the standard operating procedure on matters concerning Race, Religion and Royalty (3R),” he said when contacted on Monday (Sept 9).
The IGP said several other witnesses would be called up, including representatives from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to assist with the investigation.
It was reported that the police have launched an investigation following Kok’s remarks over the halal certificate matter.
Razarudin had said that five police reports were lodged on the matter.
“While freedom of speech is permitted under the Federal Constitution, it has its limits.
“We advise all Malaysians not to issue statements that could cause public distress and jeopardise racial harmony.
“All citizens should embody the spirit of the Rukun Negara,” he said.
The IGP said Kok was being investigated under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penalty Code as well as Section 233 of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act 1998.
It was reported that Jakim was considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.
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 and restrict consumer freedom.
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.
