SERDANG: Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has downplayed Seputeh MP Teresa Kok's halal certification comments which recently spurred controversy, calling it a "personal opinion."
Mohamad, who is also the Agriculture and Food Security minister said Kok's stance did not reflect Malaysia's longstanding position as a global leader in the halal industry.
"That's her personal view.
"Issues like this are brought up every week, but they pass with time in the end," he said in a press conference after attending the media visit to the preparation of the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2024.
Kok's comments, made in a social media post, argued that making halal certification mandatory would place unnecessary operational burdens on restaurants and small food companies.
She suggested that businesses should have the flexibility to decide whether to obtain halal certification based on market demand, rather than being compelled to do so by law.
This comes after the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) announced that Jakim is reviewing a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies.
Despite the backlash towards Kok's statement, Mohamad said Malaysia's commitment to halal standards will continue to be a priority, regardless of the debate.
"There are always issues raised every week, but they will pass.
"What's important is that Malaysia remains a well known halal hub globally," he said.