KLUANG: Perikatan Nasional supporters carried banners bearing the words “Dijamin Halal” (Guaranteed Halal) during the procession of Perikatan Nasional candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar for the Mahkota by-election.
When asked to comment, Perikatan chairman and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said there was nothing unusual about the banners.
“We intentionally brought the banners; it’s up to the public to interpret their meaning.”
He was speaking to reporters at the nomination centre at Dewan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail here yesterday.
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When asked about Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s call for everyone to avoid discussing sensitive issues related to religion, royalty, and race (3R) during the campaign period, Muhyiddin dismissed the concerns.
“It’s nothing. Just ordinary banners,” he added.
Earlier, Perikatan supporters gathered at the Taman Tasik public car park with banners of their candidate along with the “Dijamin Halal” banners before marching to the nomination centre.
Onn Hafiz had earlier expressed hope that parties contesting in Mahkota would maintain peace and harmony throughout their campaigns and avoid discussions around the 3R issues during the 14-day campaign period.
The Perikatan’s “Dijamin Halal” banners appeared to be in response to the recent controversy involving Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who opposed a proposal requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.It was reported that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was considering making halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food outlets that do not serve pork or alcohol.Kok later clarified that her comments on the proposal specifically addressed its compulsory nature.
Her remarks drew criticism from several quarters, including Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim distanced himself from Kok’s views, stating that her comments were personal and did not represent Pakatan Harapan.
