It is well known that Muslims are required to consume halal food, meaning food and drinks which have been prepared under strict Muslim dietary laws.
Examples of food items which are haram include pork, lard and alcohol, as well as by-products of the subtstances like ham, bacon and liquor.
The Chinese authorities in Xinjiang have reportedly recently launched a campaign
against the “spread of halal”, claiming that the growing number of halal products is encouraging religious extremism in the heavily-controlled region.
The action of the authorities in Xinjiang is an unacceptable violation of the principle of freedom of religion. This is yet another discriminatory act that the Chinese government has visited on the Uighur Muslim peoples in Xinjiang.
We are deeply concerned by the growing level of violations against the Muslim minorities in China. States must never condone nor
advocate discrimination against any race or religion. China’s actions are a grave violation of human rights and its stated goal to be a responsible member of the international community.
The Malaysian government and international authorities must hold China to account and press it to end its reign of terror in Xinjiang.
NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD
PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT YOUTH LEADER
SETIAWANGSA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
