SEREMBAN: Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok's comments on the halal certification issue do not represent the stance of Pakatan Harapan, said its chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"There is no need for this as it will create controversy that is unnecessary in our society.
"Regulations (related to halal certification) are necessary to prevent doubts among Muslims.
"If she (Teresa) feels that the regulations are not needed in certain areas, she should discuss it appropriately," the prime minister said to reporters after the launch of Seremban Rest and Service Area (Southbound), Malaysia's first sustainable rest area on the highway today.
Previously, 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's statement has since faced criticism from various parties, including Umno leaders, opposition members, non-governmental organisations and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Anwar said Kok should not have made any statements that were deemed unhelpful in clarifying the situation.
"If she wants to represent certain quarters, that's fine... but she should not make such statements publicly because it does not help to clarify the situation.
"We need to be mindful of both Muslim and non-Muslim sentiments. The approach should be to negotiate properly first, not to display individual prowess.
"Our country is in a good state now, the politics are stable, international appreciation is positive, and the economy is improving.
"So, why should we do anything that could disrupt the harmony and well-being of the country?" he said.