KUALA LUMPUR: DAP is confident that its vice-president, Teresa Kok, did not break any laws with her remarks on the halal certification issue.

The party's secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the party will fully cooperate with the police in their investigation into the case.

"I acknowledge the statement by the Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri Razarudin Husain) that Seputeh member of parliament (Kok) will be summoned by police to provide a statement following reports made against her regarding the halal certification issue.

"The DAP legal bureau will also accompany and provide legal advice to Kok during the process and will offer full cooperation to the police.

"The party's leadership is confident that Kok has not violated any laws in carrying out her duties and responsibilities as an MP by expressing her views on a government policy," he said in a statement today.

Earlier, it was reported that the police had opened an investigation paper against Kok over her statement on the halal certification issue.

Razarudin said the investigation against the Seputeh MP was initiated following five reports lodged against her, adding that the investigation is in accordance with standard operating procedures for all matters related to the 3R issues (race, religion, royalty).

Kok had previously opposed a proposal by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) that would require all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.

She said the requirement could burden small businesses, restrict consumer freedom, and potentially clash with Malaysia's cultural diversity.

Her statement has since 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 did not represent the stance of the coalition.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1102973/dap-confident-kok-did-not-break-any-laws-halal-certification-comment