MP slams proposal limiting public performances to prepubescent girls

“Couldn’t we establish proper guidelines and SOPs for athletes, dancers and artists? Without such efforts, talented individuals in these fields will continue to feel stigmatised, misunderstood, or even cynically viewed when pursuing their passions”

(FMT) – Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing says suggestion by Terengganu assemblyman reeks of double standards.

A government MP has criticised a Terengganu assemblyman’s proposal to only allow prepubescent schoolgirls to perform dances in public, saying it showed double standards.

Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) questioned if the national department for culture and arts under the tourism, arts and culture ministry would also adopt such a proposal.

“I don’t understand why women and girls consistently face double standards. What’s more, this suggestion came from a female assembly member.

“While we aim to instill Islamic ethical principles and embrace a paradigm that places women on equal footing with men spiritually, women are repeatedly viewed through a different lens,” he said while debating the Supply Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Tan said that according to the proposal, boys would be allowed to perform in public regardless of whether they have reached puberty or not.

“Why then is there unjustified discrimination against girls? Why do we always respond to such challenges by banning, shutting down, and suppressing rather than seeking solutions?” he said.

The proposal for the ban was made by Ladang assemblyman Zuraida Noor to enhance the enforcement of Terengganu’s guidelines on entertainment, cultural performances, tourism, and sports.

Zuraida told the Terengganu legislative assembly last Tuesday it would be “more appropriate” to only allow prepubescent girls to perform to ensure the state continues to receive Allah’s blessings.

Tan suggested that Muslimah fashion designers should be supported to create shariah-compliant attire for performers.

“Couldn’t we establish proper guidelines and SOPs for athletes, dancers and artists? Without such efforts, talented individuals in these fields will continue to feel stigmatised, misunderstood, or even cynically viewed when pursuing their passions,” he said.

“My other concern is that these sectors may stagnate or decline and disappear if authorities persist with prohibitive actions instead of fostering growth and finding constructive solutions.”