DAP & PKR’s Inability to Neutralize PAS’ pro-Islamic Agendas is Worrisome
Malaysia Youth Rights Movement hopes that Pakatan Rakyat will demonstrate more of their ability to govern a multiracial and multicultural nation, not their ability to impose strict Islamic laws on non-Muslims.
Diong Chau Sern, Secretary of Malaysia Youth Rights Movement
Recently the Alor Setar City Council has followed Kelantan in implementing a ruling which requires non-Muslims models to be “decently attired” and Muslim models to wear ‘tudung’ on the billboards. The Alor Setar mayor has warned all billboard operators and advertisers that the city council will not be lenient on those who do not obey the rules in areas under its jurisdiction. Malaysia Youth Rights Movement strongly condemns Alor Setar City Council’s decision on imposing such conditions. The implementation of such rules has affected both Muslims and non-Muslims in the city.
Firstly the phrase “decently attired” is ambiguous. The city council has failed to provide a clear guideline of what is considered as decently attired, and what is considered as indecent. Alor Setar City Council has failed to understand that what is considered as decent to one may be considered as indecent to another. Imposing such ruling will only lead to more disputes in the future as different people will interpret “decently attired” differently.
Moreover, Alor Setar City Council’s implementation has directly caused female Muslims models to lose some job opportunities. If female Muslim models must wear the ‘tudung’, how are they able to market shampoo or hair products through billboards in the future? Businesses like hair salons will find it difficult to hire Muslim models to advertise their business and products, with such rules in existence.
Also, swimmers and other sports athletes, as well as sportswear companies are the most affected ones. When some athletes are in their sports attire, their bodies are only partially covered. Malaysia Youth Rights Movement wonders how swimmers should appear on billboards in Alor Setar, especially if the swimmers are Muslims.
Malaysia Youth Rights Movement urge the city council to not to be involved too much in governing how people should dress. Our country has federal laws governing indecent exposure on billboards and printed materials. PAS-led Kedah state government’s decision has affected many people in the state and has caused millions across the country to worry.
DAP and PKR’s inability to neutralize PAS’ pro-Islamic agendas is worrisome. Previously PAS has promised that its Hudud laws will only be imposed on Muslims. Unfortunately now it seems like the PAS-led state government’s policies are beginning to affect the non-Muslims. Obviously this is contrary to what they have claimed to be.
Malaysia Youth Rights Movement hopes that Pakatan Rakyat will demonstrate more of their ability to govern a multiracial and multicultural nation, not their ability to impose strict Islamic laws on non-Muslims.
