KUALA LUMPUR: Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has come out in support of Seputeh member of parliament, Teresa Kok over her remarks on the halal certification issue.
Zaid said Kok, who is also DAP vice-chairman, had brought up a matter of public interest that could quickly be resolved with common sense.
"What Teresa talked about is a serious matter and she should not be dismissed as a troublemaker," said Zaid in a post on X.
Zaid, a former DAP member, also accused DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook of offering "meek support" by saying that Kok was merely doing her job as an MP.
"Anthony Loke's meek support for Teresa Kok was all DAP could do," said Zaid in the post.
"I am not defending Teresa. I resigned when she was detained under ISA 15 years ago, But then it was not about her but about preventive detention without trial on civilians.
"Similarly, I don't think she deserves a police investigation for bringing up a matter of public interest that could quickly be resolved with common sense," he said.
Earlier, 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.
Following her statement, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said investigation against Kok had been initiated following five reports that were lodged against her.
Kok's statement faced criticism from various parties, including Umno leaders, opposition members, non-governmental organisations and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said Kok's comments on the halal certification issue do not represent the stance of the coalition.
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.