KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened an investigation paper against Teresa Kok over her statement on the halal certification issue.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said investigation against the Seputeh member of parliament had been initiated following five reports that were lodged against her.
He said the investigation was in accordance to standard operating procedures for all matters related to the 3R issues (race, religion, royalty).
"We have received five reports against her and the investigation is being conducted under Sections 298 and 505 (b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998," he told Berita Harian today.
Razarudin was quoted as saying that police would call all witnesses connected to the case to complete their investigation.
He said the investigation was being conducted by the D5 unit of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department.
He added that while freedom of speech is protected by the Federal Constitution, there are limits to this right and Malaysians should avoid making or responding to statements that could lead to public unrest or incite racial tensions.
"Such statements are considered offences under the Penal Code which cause public mischief," he said.
Kok, who is DAP vice-chairman, had opposed a proposal by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), which would require all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.
She said doing so could burden small businesses, restrict consumer freedom and potentially clash with Malaysia's cultural diversity.
Kok expressed on social media that halal certification should be voluntary, allowing businesses to make decisions based on market demand rather than being mandatory.
Kok's statement has since faced criticism from various parties, including Umno leaders, opposition members, non-governmental organisations and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said that Kok's remarks do not reflect the position of Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"There is no need for this as it will create controversy that is unnecessary in our society," he was quoted as saying earlier today.
Last Thursday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that Jakim is reviewing a proposal to require halal certification for restaurants and food companies.