Bersatu MP: Respect Everyone’s Food Choices, Islam Teaches Tolerance

Bersatu MP urges respect for dietary choices in line with Islamic teachings.

KUALA LUMPUR : A Bersatu lawmaker has called on the public to respect the food choices of others, emphasizing that mocking or belittling someone’s dietary habits is inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Speaking in Parliament today, the MP said that food preferences are personal and culturally significant, and ridiculing others for what they eat is both insensitive and inappropriate. “Islam teaches respect for all people. Making fun of someone for their food goes against the values of kindness and consideration we are expected to uphold,” the MP added.

The lawmaker highlighted recent incidents on social media where individuals were publicly mocked for choosing halal, vegetarian, or traditional dishes, saying such behavior fosters division rather than understanding.

He urged community leaders, educators, and the public to promote tolerance and empathy, and to educate the younger generation on respecting diversity in daily life, including diet. “Being mindful of how we treat others, even over something as simple as food, reflects our integrity and faith,” the MP said.

The statement has sparked conversations among social media users and religious scholars, reinforcing the importance of respecting personal and cultural choices in Malaysia’s multicultural society.