IPOH: A top DAP leader has called on all parties not to politicise the comments made by the party vice-president Teresa Kok on the halal certification issue.
Its secretary-general Anthony Loke said as a member of Parliament, Kok has the responsibility to voice her views on issues concerning the people.
"As an MP, she has the responsibility to voice her views, and what was raised is a concern, particularly from non-Muslim restaurants, that they might also be affected or required to obtain halal certification.
"So, what was raised is a concern from the community, especially from the non-Muslim community.
"Any policy and decision will be discussed at the Cabinet level. It doesn't need to be politicised," he said after opening the Perak DAP Convention at Ipoh Convention Centre here, today.
It was previously reported that Kok had opposed a proposal by Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) that would require all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.
Kok said this 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 (NGOs), and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Kok's comments on the halal certification issue did not represent the stance of Pakatan Harapan.
Loke said that at this point, it was only a proposal made by Jakim and had yet to be submitted for consideration.
"It will also involve amendments to the law and so on. So, it has not yet reached the decision-making stage. It is common in our country for many issues to be politicised.
"That is why, within the government, we try to address these issues. Any issues that arise can be resolved at the government level through the Cabinet," he said.
On Sept 5, Jakim was considering the possibility of making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said currently, obtaining halal certification is optional for food business operators, reported Free Malaysia Today.