Loke said that Kok, who is Seputeh MP, was merely voicing the concerns of her constituents, including concerned non-Muslim restaurant operators, Harian Metro reported.

“As an MP, she certainly has a duty to voice her opinions.

“What she expressed could be a response to concerns, particularly from non-Muslim restaurants worried about being required to obtain halal certification,” he was quoted as saying.

“However, any policy or decision will be discussed at the Cabinet level.

“Therefore, any issue should be discussed in the Cabinet and not politicised,” he told a press conference after officiating the 20th Perak DAP Convention at the Ipoh Convention Centre today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Kok’s views on the matter were her own and did not represent the stance taken by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Anwar, who is PH chairman, said Kok’s remarks over the matter were unnecessary and had only complicated the issue.

On Thursday, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said Jakim was considering the proposal as obtaining halal certification was currently on a voluntary basis for restaurant operators or food business owners.

In response, Kok said that the move could impose significant burdens on small businesses, restrict consumer freedom and clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

Kok’s comments drew the ire of several quarters, including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.

Loke added that the proposal is only a suggestion and has yet to be deliberated in the Cabinet, as it involves amendments to the law and will affect other processes.

“It is common in our country for many issues to be politicised and we, in the government, are trying to address them.

“Any issue that arises can be resolved at the government level through the Cabinet,” he added.