All together: (From left) MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, Dr Wee, Ahmad Zahid and MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran at the MIC AGM in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star
SHAH ALAM: Non-Muslim food and beverage companies and eateries are not mandated to apply for halal certification, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“There is no such decision by the Cabinet. That is why the Prime Minister has instructed the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) to explain the current status, proposals, and studies on the halal issue on Wednesday,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Malaysian Halal Council chairman.
He added that no one loses their religious values by respecting other religions, emphasising that Malaysia must uphold its multiculturalism.
“In order for my religion to be respected, we must respect other religions too,” Ahmad Zahid said at the 78th MIC annual general assembly yesterday.
On Sept 3, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said that several laws would need to be amended to enforce mandatory halal certification and various agencies would need to be involved to ensure compliance.
Presently, halal certification is optional for food business operators.
In a social media post, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that it was the Barisan Nasional spirit to respect the interests of all communities.
“In his opening speech, the Barisan chairman addressed many matters, particularly current issues, including sensitive ones,” Dr Wee wrote on his Facebook account.
“He also said that Barisan’s stance is not to make it compulsory for pork and alcohol-free restaurants to apply for halal certificates. It’s not a collective decision made by the Cabinet.
“Any matters or policy changes must be thoroughly reviewed in Cabinet meetings, and all perspectives must be considered,”
“He also emphasised that the community is highly sensitive to halal issues and that all opinions should be approached with mutual respect.
“This reflects the spirit and principles of Barisan, where the interests of the community and the nation are always prioritised.
