Has the feud between Dr Akmal and Teresa Kok about the Halal certificate issue come to an end? Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has shed some light on the matter.
During an event in Kluang, Johor last night (September 19), Zahid told the media that he met with Dr Akmal on September 14, and personally asked him to “tone down” the feud between him and Teresa.
Zahid, who is also the President of UMNO said he had informed the General Secretary of DAP, Anthony Loke about the matter.
“I have also released an official statement that said there is no obligation for any restaurant in Malaysia to apply for the Halal certificiates. So, the Halal certificate issue is now closed,” Zahid said.
The Deputy PM also said that the Cabinet has agreed to maintain the existing policy – applications for JAKIM’s Halal certificates are voluntary, as it has been since 1974.
However, with the certificates in vendors’ hands, it will give added value for their high commitment to always comply with halal certification standards.
To encourage the industry to apply for the certificate, especially among micro and small industries, Zahid said various stakeholders including entrepreneur guidance agencies at all levels are also offered various incentives and initiatives in the form of training and guidance as well as grants.
“JAKIM has also sped up the application process for the halal certification and applicants can expect to get it within 30 days. Statistics show that between January and July of this year, 96% of applicants managed to get the certification within the time frame,” Zahid explained.
At the time of writing (September 20), Dr Akmal and Teresa Kok have yet to issue statements about the feud. Regardless, do you think it’s time for both politicians to put their differences aside?
