GEORGE TOWN: The government has been asked to reveal how many non-Muslim outlets are currently operating at government education institutions, following news of a trader who was let go due to non-compliance with shariah codes.

The DAP’s P Ramasamy said the numbers must be revealed immediately or else the government might appear to be supporting racial and religious intolerance in government institutions.

He said procedures such as “shariah codes” at eateries were unfair to the 40%-45% of the non-Muslim population in the country.

“Is there a requirement that public institutions funded by taxpayers of Muslim and non-Muslim faiths must practice shariah law?” Ramasamy asked at a press conference yesterday.

Ramasamy said in the case of Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP), it was just a “small bit of a bigger problem” in the country.

“I am certain that non-Muslim traders face a harder chance of opening in government institutions, despite meeting all criteria set.

“Race-based policies and shariah conditions have made more non-Muslims shy away from government institutions, knowing they would not stand a chance,” he said.

Recalling his 25-years as an academic at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Ramasamy said canteen or cafeteria operators there were usually Malay Muslims.

Ramasamy said the Malay trader would then “sub-contract” for non-Malay types of food, owing to demand and “pressure” from student groups.

“…a Chinese and Indian stall would be placed at one corner. But luckily, in Bangi (where UKM is), there were a lot of shops sprouting around the campus.

“Those who had motorcycles could go to the shops and some even offered catering. This was in 2005.

“Basically there is very little consideration for non-Muslim operators in the country. But what about remote places? Are you expecting students to carry noodles in a cup wherever they go?”

Recently, a canteen operator at PSP was allegedly let go after failing to win rights to rent one of seven stalls at its canteen.

The trader, who had been operating since September last year, alleged only traders meeting “shariah ISO” would be allowed to rent there. This was following fresh tenders called in May this year.

PSP director Zulkifli Ariffin told MIC leaders on Thursday that the trader was let go for not having halal certification, among others.

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