PETALING JAYA, July 25 — The four disqualified Miss Malaysia World 2013 finalists are prepared to co-operate with the Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) in its investigations against them for allegedly insulting Islam.
Jawi had earlier this week said the four Muslim women insulted Islam in expressing their dissatisfaction with a fatwa banning Muslim women from taking part in beauty pageants.
“It is a misconception that we tried to fight back and insisted on entering the competition after we were booted out,” said Sara Amelia Bernard, one of the contestants.
The 20-year-old said the four willingly pulled out of the competition upon learning about the fatwa.
“We were disappointed and we merely expressed our opinions,” she said.
Sara also said she was planning to meet Jawi officers to apologise over the fiasco.
Fellow disqualified contestant Miera Sheikh said they would adhere to whatever decision made by Jawi.
“We had no intention of going against Islam. After all it is our religion,” she said.
Another former finalist, Wafa Johanna De Korte, echoed their sentiments, saying she “totally respected the mufti’s decision”.
“Being a Muslim, I understand the purpose of the fatwa is to protect Muslims and ensure we are not portrayed in a bad light,” the 19-year-old said.
However, she wants an explanation as to why they were dropped despite precautions taken in terms of attire to avoid too much exposure.
“If I did insult anyone with my statements, I apologise. Maybe some people took it the wrong way.”
If found guilty, the four could be charged under section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997 which carries a maximum jail term of two years, a RM3,000 fine, or both.
The women, who were top 20 finalists of the Miss Malaysia World 2013, were dropped after Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Wan Zahidi Wan Teh called their participation “sinful” based on a fatwa under the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993.
According to the four, they were informed that Muslims were allowed to enter the pageant but were required to wear sports attire instead of swimsuits or bikinis.
The Jawi enforcement division has opened investigation papers on the issue.
