Is there anything in the world more annoyingly creepy than an unspoken dress code?
– Douglas Coupland, Canadian novelist
Recently, I visited the National Registration Department in Petaling Jaya to replace my damaged MyKad. At the main entrance of the building, I noticed a dress code displayed prominently on the notice board. In essence, it reminded visitors to dress decently when conducting official business in the building.
Personally, I have no issue with such a dress code. In fact, I support it. It is similar to the dress code in churches, where worshippers are also expected to dress appropriately when attending services in the House of God.
To clarify, I am not vehemently opposed to any dress code. If it is necessary to remind the public to dress appropriately in a public building or a place of worship, then let’s do so.
However, I do have an issue with the decision made by the PAS-led state of Terengganu to disallow female gymnasts from participating in the upcoming Malaysian Games (Sukma), citing concerns over their attire.
This is fundamentally different from a request to dress decently in public. It involves banning female gymnasts from participating in the sport due to concerns about their attire not conforming to Syariah standards.
What disturbs me greatly is that the ban on female gymnasts has been in place since 2019 by the Terengganu government, but it has not been openly discussed and debated until now.
The Sukma Games is the largest and most prestigious national multi-sports event, held once every two years. It is often referred to as the “Malaysian Olympics”.
The first edition took place in 1986, and the next Sukma is scheduled for August next year, hosted by Sarawak.
Sukma serves as a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their talents, both locally and internationally. The event has seen the rise of spirited athletes from diverse backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.
I fully agree with Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid when she asserts that the disproportionate emphasis on clothing choices undeniably reflects patriarchal and misogynistic values. This deeply troubling trend must be called out and confronted.
By prohibiting their gymnasts from participating in Sukma and other competitions, the action taken by the PAS-led Terengganu government will severely harm Malaysian sports in the long run.
It is indeed a saddening turn of events, even though it is not a new development and has been in effect since 2019.
I am uncertain how the federal Ministry of Youth and Sports will address this issue at the national level, but one thing is clear: the talent of gymnasts in Terengganu will go to waste, and the girls in the state will never have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the sport.
Needless to say, Terengganu’s decision is archaic and regressive. Such a stance has no place if Malaysia aims to be recognized as a progressive and modern nation.
What is even more ridiculous is the state government’s suggestion that the gymnasts transition to different sports.
Indeed, proposing that they switch to wushu, a Chinese martial art, is an absurd proposition. These athletes have dedicated years of their lives to mastering the art of gymnastics, refining their skills and discipline to perfection.
Forcing them to switch to an entirely different sport not only undermines their unwavering dedication but also raises significant questions about their freedom to choose their preferred discipline.
Nevertheless, suppressing the aspirations of female athletes and excluding Muslim women gymnasts from their beloved sport has the potential to tarnish Malaysia’s reputation, both domestically and globally.
I am relieved that “Sisters In Islam” (SIS) has also voiced their concerns on the matter. They lament that female athletes find themselves under intense scrutiny regarding their attire and modesty, hindering their growth and confining them to the sidelines, impeding their journey towards reaching their full potential.
SIS highlights the remarkable Farah Ann Hadi, a gymnastics champion who faced a barrage of criticism regarding her gymnastic attire.
“Despite her exceptional achievements on the global stage, she endured disparaging remarks solely based on her costume. These baseless critiques should not overshadow the undeniable talent and unwavering dedication exhibited by these athletes,” concludes SIS.
I can only express my sympathy for our female athletes, who are clearly the victims of a political party’s obsession with dress codes for Muslim women.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune. Feedback can reach the writer at sirsiah@gmail.com
