Bakri told NST that the change was introduced for the sake of uniformity and it was understand that all police women, including non-Muslim, taking part in the 199^th Police Day Cerebration parade on Saturday must wear the headscarf. He said those who wished to take off after the parade can do so.

He said Muslim police women are encouraged to wear “tudung”at all times, but it is not a disciplinary offence if they choose not wear.

I personally feel that “for the sake of uniformity” is not a strong reason to impose “tudung” dress code on police women, regardless of race and religion. I will support the move if Bakri can persuade me that uniformity will lead to efficiency and comfort to the police women in performing their duties.

There are currently so many issues to attend to by the police force in order to improve its efficiency, public confident and performent.  IGP should not waste his previous time on anything that will not result in such improvement.

Further more, police force is a profession. Police women are not more pupils in schools. They should not be subject to dress uniformity anymore, especially when headscarf carries certain religion connotation.

Malaysia is a multi ethnic, culture and religion country. We respect each others culture and religion. Rukun Negara recognized these differences and stressed that diversity is our strength.

Education ministry had stated that “tudung” is not part of school uniform and female students are free to decide for themselves where to wear or not. Bakri must also learn to respect the right to choice of the police women on the same issue.   

(22/03/2006)