KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 — Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz was adamant the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) must explain a purported rule prohibiting frontline Muslim workers from donning headscarves.

The tourism and culture minister refused to accept the group’s initial remark that the practice was consistent among some global hoteliers, saying the MAH should have informed the principal companies about local norms and culture.

"I’m upset with the MAH; they should be advising, telling (the international chains) this should not be done because of our Constitution.

"I’m not upset with the hotel chains as they don’t know. If that is their unwritten SOP, they must be advised they can’t do that here in Malaysia,” Nazri told reporters when met at Parliament today.

MAH chairman Samuel Cheah Swee Hee previously said the policy was practised at international hotel chains that standardised procedures and uniforms worldwide.

He also added that Muslim staff could either work in non-frontline areas or at hotels that did not have the rule.

Nazri said today he has not received an official response from the MAH about the matter, but called the group’s statements "irresponsible” and anti-Islam.

"What is wrong in wearing a tudung? What are they (the MAH) trying to tell us?” he asked.

The Padang Rengas MP conceded, however, that his ministry could not dictate to the MAH on the issue, but said they will continue advising them against the policy.