After police confirmed investigation into a remark about the Halal certificate, DAP says Teresa Kok is just doing her job as a member of parliament

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 – The DAP today reiterated that its MP Teresa Kok did nothing wrong when she raised concerns about a proposed mandatory halal certification.

In a statement, the party said its legal department would accompany Kok in her cooperation with the police following an investigation into her statements and provide legal advice.

“The DAP leadership is convinced that Teresa Kok has not violated any laws in the exercise of her duties and responsibilities as a Member of Parliament by expressing her views on certain government policies,” party secretary Anthony Loke said in a brief statement.

Police have launched an investigation into Seputeh MP Teresa Kok after she allegedly made comments on halal certification.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the investigation was being conducted under Section 298 of the Penal Code, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Razarudin said the investigation would follow standard procedures regarding matters related to rulers, religion and race (3Rs).

He said that so far five reports have been received by the police against Kok.

Previously, Malaysia’s Ministry of Islamic Development (Jakim) was reportedly discussing a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol.

However, Kok later reportedly said that making halal certification mandatory for such restaurants and food businesses could potentially place a greater burden on the businesses, including thousands of Malaysian restaurant operators, adding that it would be an embarrassment for the country.

Earlier, while attending a programme in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim advised anyone who has suggestions and concerns regarding halal certification to raise the matter at a meeting for further discussion.