AUGUST 21 —The enforcement of a directive issued by the state secretary Datuk Sayuthi Bakar that every male attending official state functions must wear a songkok is a very subtle way of introducing an Islamic dress code on non-Muslims. This is because the “songkok” is indisputably a head gear associated with religion as Muslims wear it when attending prayers or other religious functions.
Wearing headgear at official functions has not been an issue in the past and for sure everyone attending official functions was properly dressed for the occasion.
What is the logic for wanting everyone in the official functions to look alike as if there were no people of other faiths and cultures in the audience?
This is a nation that on the one hand we tell the whole world about as a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, and advertise it as such to attract tourists. Why are we then ashamed to show the same at official functions?
We strongly object to the State Secretary’s stance that every male attending official functions must be made to conform to an Islamic dress code by the wearing of the “songkok” which is a dress symbol of Islam. He cannot use his official position to impose his personal religious etiquette on non-Muslims.
We call on the Chief Minister to nip in the bud the subtle creeping in of Islamisation into the state administration.
The state should be proud to show multi culturalism at state functions by encouraging people to wear their traditional dresses which are so beautiful, so colourful. Why should state functions be so dull with everyone having to comply to a standard dress code?
People invited to official functions are not going to go in street clothes, but in their best outfits. So why harass them with specific “dress codes” that are arbitrarily imposed on them?
If this is not nipped in the bud, the next round may see all the ladies having to wear the “tudung”. After that, what else? We cannot have civil servants taking it upon themselves to impose their religious or other values on others. Their duty is to serve the public, not to rule over the public.
Please respect the non-Muslims who do not feel at ease to wear an Islamic head gear. What if they decide not to attend official functions if they cannot go without wearing a “songkok”?
Ravinder Singh is Vice Chairman, Parti Rakyat Malaysia.
This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
