‘Campaign more about halal and cleanliness, not discrimination’

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MIRI: PAS Sarawak commissioner Jofri Jaraiee has defended the party’s ‘Buy Muslim Products First’ campaign, saying it is not discriminatory as alleged by certain quarters.

According to him, the move is not about boycotting non-Muslim goods, but more about addressing the issue of a product’s ‘cleanliness’ and halal status.

“It is inaccurate to say PAS is campaigning to boycott non-Muslim goods. We are more concerned about cleanliness and whether a product is halal or not.

“The ‘Buy Muslim Products First’ campaign is inclusive and competitive in a business context and should be viewed positively rather than negatively,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Jofri went on to claim that early results of the campaign has shown that the prices of essential goods have dropped, thus directly benefitting consumers.

He said in the past, it was difficult for such prices to go down but with the help of this campaign, consumers will get to choose the goods they need at competitive prices.

“Competitive prices in the market will positively impact the country’s economy and consumers regardless of race and religion will benefit from this campaign,” he added.

In response to those who say their interests are at stake, Jofri said it is the right of consumers to choose their own goods without being burdened by high cost.

“There is actually no racial proposition in this regard as consumers regardless of race and religion will be able to capitalise on the results of this campaign,” he stressed.