Zaid slams Terengganu exco for fuss over Sukma diving participants

“What’s wrong with him?

(FMT) – The former law minister says any law allowing the state government to decide on the lives of Muslims or their dress code is unconstitutional.

Zaid Ibrahim has hit out at a Terengganu executive councillor for expressing his displeasure over two Muslim girls representing the state in the diving competition at the recent Sukma games.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the former law minister questioned if there was something “wrong” with the state PAS leader.

Zaid said Hishamuddin Abdul Karim should have been proud that the two girls excelled in a sport and congratulated them instead.

“What’s wrong with him?

The two girls have parents who are their legal guardians. If the parents have no objection, who is the exco man to decide for the girls?

Zaid also pointed out that any law that allowed the state govt to decide on the lives of Muslims or their dress code was unconstitutional.

In 2018, Terengganu made it a requirement for state athletes to wear shariah-compliant clothing, both at home and while taking part in events outside the state.

Four years later, it banned women from taking part in gymnastic events because of non-shariah-compliant outfits, forcing several Muslim female gymnasts from the state to retire from the sport altogether.

Last night, Hishamuddin, who is the youth and sports executive councillor, said he was shocked by reports that two Muslim girls had represented the state in the diving competition at the Sukma games held in Sarawak.

He said the Terengganu sports council’s stand was that no female Muslims can represent the state in diving given that the necessary attire does not meet the state’s dress code for Muslim athletes.

According to Hishamuddin, he was not aware that the two divers had taken part in Sukma, let alone represented the state.

He said the Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association paid for their participation.

Zaid went on to call for sensible religious leaders to speak up and defend the civil liberties of Muslims to live their lives as they see fit.

He said it was time for Muslim parents to stand up and protect their children’s rights and not be cowed by the politicians.

“If we follow the thinking of this Terengganu man, there will be no Muslim girls participating in sports, music and culture. How can this enslavement of the entire community be allowed?”