PAS should concentrate more on introducing local government elections in Kelantan than impose moral dress codes on non-Muslim women working in retail outlets and restaurants

Press Statement

by Lim Guan Eng

(Petaling Jaya, Tuesday): PAS should concentrate more on introducing local government elections in Kelantan than waste time imposing moral dress codes on non-Muslim women working in retail outlets and restaurants. Such moral policing of what non-Muslim women wear can be regarded a transgression of non-Muslim rights as they should not be subjected to Islamic moral code of conduct. Fines of RM 500 is an exorbitant sum and completely unacceptable to a multi-racial society.

Further what is indecent is subjective and also open to different interpretation that will only harm the image of the Kelantan PAS government. Efforts by PAS to show its tolerant face and progressive image fighting for the rights of minorities and non-Muslims have been severely undermined by this ruling. Such moral dress codes will only show that the rebranding exercise carried out by PAS is merely cosmetic and reinforces the sentiment amongst non-Muslims that PAS pose a threat to their daily lives and livelihood.

The Kota Baru Municipal Council’s (MPKB) announcement that it would no longer tolerate indecent dressing by Muslim and non-Muslim women, shows its intolerant face that would allow UMNO to successfully paint that PAS is a greater danger to non-Muslims than UMNO. Such self-inflicted wounds are politically and economically foolish as it will drive away moderate voters as well as foreign investment.

DAP urges PAS to focus on restoring democracy by restoring elected councilors in Kelantan. Any failure to do so will show that PAS does not practice what it preaches about upholding democracy and human rights. It is sad that PAS appears obsessed in what women wear than in how to improve the livelihood of the residents of Kota Baru.

As DAP does not have any co-operation with PAS because of PAS’ intent to pursue an Islamic state, it is unlikely that PAS would agree to heed DAP’s call to withdraw this moral dress code. However PAS should realize that such intolerant views would make any other organization co-operating with PAS viewed negatively by the general non-Muslim population.