PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should focus on tackling "non-halal money" obtained through corruption rather than get embroiled in unnecessary debates on halal certificates, says Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.
"Be more concerned about wealth plundered by those with no integrity," the former international trade and industry minister said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 11).
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She added that the government should focus on tackling the issue of money obtained through graft and abuse of power by those in authority.
"And (do) not to cause inconvenience to others, merely to ensure that the curry mee or fried rice etc must be certified 'halal'.
"Muslims must remember that if you are in doubt, don't force yourselves to eat at those outlets. There are choices," she said.
On Tuesday (Sept 10), Seputeh MP Teresa Kok had her statement recorded by the police after expressing her concerns and opposition to a proposal by the Malaysian Islamic Development Corporation (Jakim) to make halal certification compulsory for eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Kok had recently said this could be a burden to small businesses and restrict consumer freedom.
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Five police reports have since been lodged against Kok over her remarks, with police commencing investigations.
Last week, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said several laws would have to be amended to enforce mandatory halal certification.
For now, halal certification is optional for food business operators.
Rafidah noted that Muslims who are steadfast in adhering to Islam's tenets and rules do not need the government or its entities to help them decide what they can or cannot eat.
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She said such a move should be avoided to prevent government intervention in everyday life on the excuse of religion.
"There is no reason for a government entity to compel every food outlet to have halal certification (just) to 'safeguard' Muslims.
"They can always avoid going into any place especially to eat if they feel was-was (apprehensive) or ragu-ragu (doubtful) about what is sold there," she said.
She added that there were many places for Muslims to choose from and others did not have to be burdened simply to protect Muslims from unIslamic food.
