'Mandatory Halal Certification' - the whole issue starts with the Minister in the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Department

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is 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, Free Malaysia Today reported. "There are no existing laws that require restaurants or food companies to secure halal certification," he was quoted as saying during a press conference at the International Conference on Family Law 2024 today. "To enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended, with various agencies involved in ensuring compliance."

Anwar Ibrahim did not say anything then. Was it a decision by Anwar Ibrahim? Was it a decision approved by the Cabinet? Was it a decision of Pakatan Harapan? Malaysia is a DEMOCRACY, and every citizen have a right to express their opinion of policies or decisions that the government may make - it is not for the Prime Minister or his Cabinet or PH to decide and do on its own.

Then Teresa Kok, a Member of Parliament, expresses her view...

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the remarks made by DAP MP Teresa Kok are her personal views and do not reflect the stance of Pakatan Harapan...Anwar was responding to Teresa’s opposition to a proposal requiring all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification...In addressing the matter, Anwar remarked that Teresa’s comments were unnecessary and had complicated the issue.

Is Anwar saying that Pakatan Harapan has already made a decision on this 'mandatory' halal certification issue? Maybe the PH parties should come out and CLARIFY whether they decided on 'mandatory hall certification' for all food outlets that do not serve pork or alcohol? Do all the other parties in the UNITY government also agree to this???

Then, in another media report, Anwar says

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim advised those with suggestions or concerns regarding halal certification to raise these issues in a meeting for thorough discussion and review.

The use of the word 'review' suggest that the decision to move towards 'MANDATORY' halal certification has already been made - but by whom? Anwar alone? The Cabinet? PH?

Even if PH or the Cabinet already decided on the 'mandatory' halal certification issue - MPs and others still have the RIGHT to express their own views, including objections to the plan? I think they do, and it is their DUTY to express their views...as peoples' representatives.

REALITY - Malaysia is a multi-religious country, and many Muslims too go to restaurants and outlets that do not have any 'Halal Certification". The Muslim customer will refrain from eating 'non-halal' food or drinks, but have no problem consuming other food and drinks that are edible to Muslims. The PM should just visit these eateries..and see how multi-religious are the customers. Muslims also go to places that serve alcohol, but they do not drink whilst their Muslim friends/colleagues drink.

'Halal Certification' cost effort and monies, and thereafter they are opened to be visited and inspected by law enforcement, to ensure compliance with the 'halal certification'. As it is, many are subjected to visit from public health authorities and other enforcement agencies...

Would this 'halal certification' in the future the criminalizing of Muslim customers in establishments that do not possess a valid Halal Certification?

In my opinion, leave it to the food outlets to decide voluntarily whether they want to get a 'Halal Certification', whereby many are doing so really for a business reason - to attract the patronage of Muslim Consumers.

'Halal Certification' was a good 'money-earning' initiative for the government, and maybe there is also a need for "Hindu/Buddhist certification, noting that many Malaysians do not eat beef. Maybe, there is a need for a 'Vegetarian Certification' to ensure vegetarian restaurants are truly vegetarian. But, all must be VOLUNTARY - and not mandatory.

The CUSTOMER should be free to decide where to eat, and mind you many shop owners do respect people's religions - I have often been mistaken as a Muslim, and the proprietor do ask whether I eat pork or beef, and they tell me that it is in the dish I have ordered. Likewise, my Muslim friends also tell the owners/workers to make sure there is no pork or alcohol in food preparations.

When overseas, Malaysians frequent 'non-halal' establishments and order 'halal' food. Now, even chicken, goat, cows, etc that are not killed in the Muslim way may be considered not halal - hence ensuring that frozen meat imported are halal maybe something the government could do.

298 Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person
Whoever, with deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person, or makes any gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.
The IGP said Kok was being investigated under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penalty Code as well as Section 233 of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act 1998.
505 Statements conducing to public mischief
Whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report-...(b) with intent to cause, or which his likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public where by any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity; or...shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.

SHOCKING when even a MP for expressing her views on a 'government proposed' law on possible 'mandatory' halal certification requirement is called up for police questioning. Are we still a DEMOCRACY - where people have the freedom of expression, opinion, views. What about ordinary Malaysians expressing their opposition or concerns about certain government policy or intended law.

Are we not supposed to comment on policies and laws the government is considering that touches on race and religion? This is ABSURD - it so different from statements undermining some religions, race... This Anwar's policy shutting our mouth when it comes to '3R" is being abused by government/police...

MP(the peoples' representatives) seems to be unable of talking about matters that concern the 3R - royalty, race and religion. If this was the case, the royalty would still be above the law - and Malaysia could not have made laws that ensured that the royalty is not above the law - and will be charged in Court if they broke laws. The passing of our laws will depend on the King's assent, even after Parliament and Senate passed it - Malaysia amended our laws, and now the King has a certain time to give his assent > if not it is deemed that the King assented. Is Anwar trying to revert Malaysia to a feudal state - from a Constitutional Democracy it is now?

66 Exercise of legislative power
(4) The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall within thirty days after a Bill is presented to him assent to the Bill by causing the Public Seal to be affixed thereto.
(4A) If a Bill is not assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong within the time specified in Clause (4), it shall become law at the expiration of the time specified in that Clause in the like manner as if he had assented thereto.

Another issue of concern is that suggestion about the taking of 20% of plantation/industrial land when the lease expires...

Zahid, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, also proposed that a certain portion of leasehold land be reverted to the government upon the lease expiry.He recommended the application of this measure to leasehold land exceeding 20 hectares in agricultural areas or eight hectares in industrial zones."When lease terms expire and extensions are sought, 20 per cent of the relevant land should revert to the government and be administered through this corporation[Bumiputera Land Corporation]," he said. - NST, 29/2/2024

A proposal is being considered for plantation companies whose land leases with the government have expired to return 20% of the leased land to state governments if they wish to renew the lease, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said this proposal is currently being reviewed by the Bumiputra Economic Council (MEB) in collaboration with state governments and the federal territories before it is implemented. - Star, 2/9/2024

Does PM Anwar Ibrahim agree? Does PH Agree? Is this the current government's plan soon to be transformed to law?

Many may be facing lease expiration soon - and the idea that the Malaysian government is going to take away 20% of the land, which have been developed for plantations is CONCERNING..a percentage of industrial lands, where probably now houses building and other structures ??? This uncertainty, and potential loss of land may lead to companies choosing to CEASE business operations...the foreign investor to run away...and worse the acquired land will not go for ALL Malaysians, but for the benefit of a particular ethnic grouping.

ANWAR has stayed silent - but since it is the Deputy Prime Minister who is speaking, one assumes it is the GOVERNMENT's plan ...what do you say about this.

To increase the LEASE amount to be paid is OK. To impose a condition, that if land is used for another purpose other than reason it was given, will result the land reverting to the State is OK. But not the taking back of a percentage of the land.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's weakness seems to failure to ACT fast and express his own position

BAJAU LAUT - These Bumiputera community was subject to eviction, homes destroyed/burnt - all because the Sabah authorities alleged that they were trespassing on land earmarked for a State Park... Given the fact that this community may have been long in the area, even possibly before any State decision, raises an ISSUE. They are natives...

To date, PM Anwar Ibrahim is yet to say anything or take a stance - he is the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the persons whose rights are being violated are Malaysians. WHY? Has he no idea, or is he 'playing safe' not willing to anger the Sabah government?

BlackRock - MAHB. Previously, the government was discussing with GIP, and there was no issue. But things changed when it was announced that BlackRock was taking over 100 percent of GIP. BlackRock was a company specifically named by UN Special Rapporteurs as they said '...Failure to prevent or mitigate their business relationships with these arms manufacturers transferring arms to Israel could move from being directly linked to human rights abuses to contributing to them, with repercussions for complicity in potential atrocity crimes,...' Malaysia has always had a strong stance on the Palestine Issue, so logically Malaysia has to discontinue any new deals involving BlackRock. Old existing deals involving BlackRock also needs to be reviewed... And Anwar is sadly procrastinating - As Prime Minister and Finance Minister, he has the final say as to what Khazanah and KWSP/EPF should do..

Palestinian Rally at Axiata Stadium(4/8/2024,6 or 8pm) officiated by Anwar Ibrahim? Discontinue MAHB-BlackRock(vide GIP) deal to be consistent with position against those who support Israel's killing of Palestinians?

UITM - no non-Bumiputra student policy - after the disclosure, that UITM accepts foreign students came out, the fact that UITM remains a Bumiputra students only institution of higher learning arguement can no longer be justified. I propose a maintenance of 50% quota for Bumiputra students, and opening up of this public university to ALL Malaysians for after all the institution is maintained with public funds, and I believe that Bumiputra students today can compete on an equal footing with their fellow non-Bumi students. Quotas just for those who come from rural towns and areas that still do not have the teachers and facilities compared to the top-class schools in big towns. Priority also for the B40 and M40 class. No special preference anymore for the RICH T20 Class - they compete to get in.

There are OTHER issues...but enough for now.

I am having trouble attaching links to earlier relevant Blog Post - is someone doing something to my BLOG now.

Jakim mulls mandatory halal certification for restaurants not serving pork, alcohol

By New Straits Times - September 5, 2024 @ 10:21pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is 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, Free Malaysia Today reported.

"There are no existing laws that require restaurants or food companies to secure halal certification," he was quoted as saying during a press conference at the International Conference on Family Law 2024 today.

"To enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended, with various agencies involved in ensuring compliance."

Na'im encouraged Muslims to be more vigilant in verifying the halal status of restaurants by using platforms such as Jakim's Halal Malaysia Portal.

Increased consumer awareness, he said, could pressure businesses to obtain the certification.

This comes after Jakim recently confirmed that six popular food and beverage outlets frequented by Muslims, including Johnny's, Black Canyon, Dolly Dim Sum, Mr Dakgalbi, Bungkus Kaw Kaw, and Ayam Penyet Best (with the exception of four outlets), are not halal-certified. -NST,5/9/2024

Teresa Kok's views on halal certification not Pakatan's, says PM

Updated 1 day ago · Published on 8 Sep 2024 2:13PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says there are valid concerns, and certain regulations are necessary to ensure Muslims feel confident about the food they consume. – The Vibes file pic, September 8, 2024.

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the remarks made by DAP MP Teresa Kok are her personal views and do not reflect the stance of Pakatan Harapan.

Anwar was responding to Teresa’s opposition to a proposal requiring all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.

In addressing the matter, Anwar remarked that Teresa’s comments were unnecessary and had complicated the issue.

“There are valid concerns, and certain regulations are necessary to ensure Muslims feel confident about the food they consume. However, if she (Teresa) believes the proposed rule is unnecessary in some cases, it would be better to discuss the matter through the appropriate channels,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Seremban (Southbound) R&R area today, according to Berita Harian.

On Thursday, Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar said Jakim is considering the proposal, stating that halal certification is currently voluntary for restaurant operators and food business owners.

Na’im acknowledged that the proposal would require amendments to several laws and involve multiple agencies in its enforcement.

In response, Teresa argued that the move could place a significant burden on small businesses, limit consumer choice, and potentially clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

The DAP vice-chairperson also warned that making it compulsory could provoke negative reactions within the country and damage Malaysia’s international reputation.

Teresa’s comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia. — September 8, 2024. - Malaysian Insight,

Halal certification: Discuss in meeting, no need to stir controversy - PM

BERNAMA

08-09- 2024 01:09 PM

BERNAMAPIX

SEREMBAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim advised those with suggestions or concerns regarding halal certification to raise these issues in a meeting for thorough discussion and review.

Responding to media inquiries regarding the statements issued by certain individuals related to halal certification, he said issues touching on religious and racial sensitivities should not be used to create controversy.

“This is just an individual’s perspective. If there are suggestions or concerns, bring them to the meeting, and we will examine them... there is no need to stir controversy,” he said.

“Regulations should be established to alleviate any apprehension among Muslims. However, if the individual feels that the rules are unnecessary for some specific areas, discuss it properly,” he said after officiating the country’s first sustainable highway rest and service area (R&R) on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) at the Seremban R&R (southbound) today.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, and Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of safeguarding religious matters and the harmony that has been built in the country.

He also noted that Malaysia is currently in a favourable state both economically and politically, and has received global recognition that should be maintained for the overall development of the nation.

“We must respect the sentiments of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The issue has been raised in a good way. Our country is enjoying stable politics and favourable global recognition - why risk undermining this?” he said.

Recently, it was reported that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.

However, Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok has expressed concerns that such a proposal could impose additional burdens on businesses, including numerous small Malay-run restaurants. - The Sun

Teresa Kok to be called up by Bukit Aman tomorrow for comment on Halal certification

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

Nation
Monday, 09 Sep 2024
12:07 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh MP Teresa Kok will be called by Bukit Aman on Tuesday over her remarks on the proposal requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certificates.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police will be recording her statement at the Bukit Aman CID Special Investigation Unit (USJT) office at 10am on Tuesday (Sept 10).

"We will be conducting the investigation as per the standard operating procedure on matters concerning Race, Religion and Royalty (3R)," he said when contacted on Monday (Sept 9).

The IGP said several other witnesses would be called up, including representatives from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to assist with the investigation.

It was reported that the police have launched an investigation following Kok's remarks over the halal certificate matter.

Razarudin had said that five police reports were lodged on the matter.

"While freedom of speech is permitted under the Federal Constitution, it has its limits.

"We advise all Malaysians not to issue statements that could cause public distress and jeopardise racial harmony.

"All citizens should embody the spirit of the Rukun Negara," he said.

The IGP said Kok was being investigated under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penalty Code as well as Section 233 of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act 1998.

It was reported that Jakim was considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Kok had voiced her opposition to the proposal requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certificates.

She had said that this could be burdensome to small businesses and restrict consumer freedom.

On Tuesday (Sept 3), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that to enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended.

He added that various agencies would need to be involved in ensuring compliance.

Excessive discussion of BlackRock issue could harm Malaysia's national interests, warns Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today has cautioned against excessive discussion of BlackRock's investments in the country, warning of potential harm to Malaysia's national interests.

In his address during the Prime Minister's Department's monthly assembly today, Anwar said the government's stance on the Gaza and Palestinian issue has always been clear and pronounced, compared to other countries.

"Historically, and compared to other countries, we are among the most clear and firm, when it comes to our stance on Gaza.

"Therefore, let's not demand excessively. We are a developing country, and we need to assess our capabilities.

"Let's not, out of the desire to show that we are great, jeopardise our national interests," he said.

Anwar added that every time he engages in foreign visits, he never forgets to openly state Malaysia's stance on the issue.

"When speaking in front of (United States President) Joe Biden and other statesmen, I upheld this principle.

"At the same time, I want to ensure the safety and well-being of our people."

Anwar, in his speech, also reiterated that BlackRock has been in the country since the 1990s.

Anwar said back in 2018, the then-prime minister had emphasised on the need for BlackRock to enter Malaysia more clearly and prominently.

"In 2021, the then-prime minister approved the proposal for the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to hand over RM600 million of special funds for BlackRock to manage.

"When people say all that was before Oct 7, before the genocide, this understanding of politics is indeed very weak," he said, as the injustice of Israel towards Palestinians had been going on since 1948.

On the collaboration between Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah), and EPF with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) on their interests in Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Anwar said the cooperation between EPF and GIP had been in place since 2012.

"That's why Khazanah and EPF have been negotiating with GIP. Our airports have their advantages and strengths, but if we were to compare them with other airports, they have many weaknesses, especially in terms of engineering, technical expertise, and management.

"There are areas that need improvement because we are somewhat behind in planning, and various other aspects.

"When Khazanah and EPF made their decisions, I said to proceed," he said.

Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah last month announced that it was leading a consortium, known as the Gateway Development Alliance (GDA), in a conditional voluntary offer to buy all shares in MAHB that it did not own.

Besides GIP, through GIP Aureus Pte Ltd, the consortium's shareholders also included EPF, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia).

However, concerns arose after BlackRock, an American asset management company with pro-Israeli links, acquired GIP with the transaction expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

Last week, Anwar assured that the management of GIP would be fully controlled by the company, and not BlackRock.

During the prime minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, Anwar said despite BlackRock acquiring GIP, the management of GIP will retain full control and responsibility over the strategic direction of the company, and the companies it invested in.

The current market value of BlackRock's investments in Malaysia amounted to RM27.5 billion, with RM20.5 billion in Bursa Malaysia, and RM7 billion in Malaysian government, and corporate bonds.