KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh says he is not intimidated by the potential legal action that Seputeh member of parliament MP Teresa Kok may take against him regarding his comments on halal certification.
The Umno Youth Chief said he is prepared to meet Kok, who is also DAP vice-chairman, in court.
"Today, when Teresa Kok was summoned to the police headquarters, she announced that she would consider suing me.
"I want to tell Teresa Kok... bring it on, I am not afraid... no fear, no surrender. We'll see you in court," he said in a short video posted on his Facebook page tonight.
Earlier, it was reported that Kok is considering legal action against Dr Akmal following his response to her comments on halal certification.
Kok told reporters after giving her statement at Bukit Aman today that she is seeking legal advice from her lawyers regarding the matter.
Earlier, Dr Akmal criticised Teresa's claim that mandating halal certification for restaurants and food companies would only burden traders.
He said that obtaining a halal certificate from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) involves not only prohibitions on alcohol and pork but also includes standards for food preparation and sourcing.
"I want to say... halal certification used to take months to obtain. Today, we've shortened it to just 23 days.
"So, what's your problem with halal certification? If you don't like it, it doesn't concern you," Dr Akmal said on his TikTok account last Saturday.
Kok, who is DAP vice-chairman had said the requirement could burden small businesses, restrict consumer freedom, and potentially clash with Malaysia's cultural diversity.
On Sunday, police opened an investigation paper against Kok over her statement on the issue.
Last Thursday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that Jakim is reviewing a proposal to require halal certification for restaurants and food companies.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Kok's comments on halal certification did not reflect the position of Pakatan Harapan (PH).