KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Women should be allowed to decide what they can wear and pursue their own career path in life, Youths and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.
Citing the controversy surrounding national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi’s attire, Khairy said the real problem was more about women’s choices in attire rather than the sexist remarks.
“It is not just about the sexist remarks on what Farah Ann wore, it is bigger than that...it is about women being allowed to make their own choices,” he said in his speech at an event to promote women empowerment.
“Every woman should be allowed to make their own choices. If you want to be an athlete and stick to the attire which is the norm, that is your choice. If you want to be a geologist in a field full of men, you make your choice. If you want to go to politics in a brutal world dominated by guys, you make your choice.”
He added that no one including “your parents, your boyfriend or your government should make that choice” for women.
Farah Ann, who wore a leotard, as all female gymnasts do, was criticised for allegedly “exposing” herself after winning two gold medals, a silver medal and three bronze medals at this year’s Singapore Sea Games.
