Teresa Kok has denied claims that she questioned the halal certification process, reaffirming her respect for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Islam.
The Seputeh MP clarified her position after being questioned by police at Bukit Aman on Tuesday regarding her earlier comments on the impact of a proposed mandatory halal certification regulation.
“I did not question halal certification, Jakim’s role, or disrespect Islam,” she said, as reported by Sinar Harian.
“I have been promoting Malaysia’s halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry, and Investment,” she said.
“Malaysia’s halal certification is one of the highest standards in the world,” she said.
“I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and hope the issue will be resolved peacefully,” she said.
Kok, accompanied by lawyers Syahredzan Johan and Ramkarpal Singh, arrived at Bukit Aman at 9.42am and left after providing her statement.
Her lawyer, Syahredzan, mentioned that Kok was questioned for one and a half hours, answering 20 questions related to the investigation.
Earlier, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng dismissed accusations that Kok’s comments on the proposal for mandatory halal certification touched on race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues.
Speaking to reporters, Lim said Kok was performing her duties as a Member of Parliament and had done nothing wrong.
Free Malaysia Today quoted Lim as saying, “People from all walks of life, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, have expressed their views.”
“We hope that this will be managed professionally, where an MP should be given the space to carry out the duties entrusted to them by their voters,” he said.
Earlier reports:
Sept 9, Police probing Teresa Kok over 3R, religious offence, public mischief
Sept 8, Loke on halal cert: Teresa just voicing non-Muslims’ fears
Sept 7, Wan Fayhsal threatens police report over Teresa Kok’s halal cert remarks