SEREMBAN: There must be consultations with all stakeholders before any major decision involving the people is taken, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Responding to a report that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol, the Ayer Hitam MP said whatever decision is finally made must be justified.
Dr Wee said any decision should only be implemented after consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
"This question should be rightfully posed to the ministers because they would know better since they sit in the Cabinet.
"But what I can say is that if one side makes a proposal and the other side has no clue what it is all about, it will give rise to many perceptions.
"What is most important is that we need to see what the justification for it is (halal certificate)...otherwise everyone will start sharing their opinions," the MCA president told reporters when they met after opening the Negri Sembilan MCA annual general meeting.
Dr Wee said he would only be able to say more once the Parliament session starts.
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, with various agencies involved in ensuring compliance.
Dr Wee said even if this was only a proposal by officials, the final decision can only be made by the Cabinet.
He stressed that the decision must consider the feelings of all.
"So, that is why we need to know if there were consultations and what the justification for this is," he said.
Dr Wee said he did not wish to discuss the proposal's merits but added that such matters should not be decided solely on that basis.
"We cannot be making proposals just like that. It has to be studied thoroughly first by those at the decision-making level," he said.
In his speech earlier, Dr Wee told party members to keep working hard to prepare for the next general election.
"I want you to remain united and continue rebuilding the party.
"You may only be a councillor, but you must work hard and continue to speak your mind for the people," he said.
The MCA has nine local councillors in the state but does not have an MP or an assemblyman.
Dr Wee also commended the state chapter for the career guidance and counselling sessions for school leavers.
He said the programmes were a success because they had helped school leavers gain entry into local public universities.
He also said it was vital for the party to get closer to young people, who would automatically become voters when they turned 18.
