Malaysians condemn Islamic group's uniform comment

Kuala Lumpur, May 23 : The Sisters in Islam has taken umbrage over a National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia claim that the school uniform worn by girls at government schools "encouraged rape and pre-marital sex".

Describing this claim as baseless, the group's programme manager, Norhayati Kaprawi, said: "I totally disagree with the statement. What? Even wearing baju kurung is still not enough?" she asked.

"As for the white blouse being too transparent, Malay women who are in mourning wear white baju kurung. Even Umno women wear white baju kurung. So what is the issue?" The Star quoted her, as saying.

National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia Vice-President Munirah Bahari has stated that "the white blouse is too transparent for girls and it becomes a source of attraction to men, who are drawn to it, whether or not they like looking at it."

She also called for a review of the uniform policy so that it did not violate Islamic ideals.

Women's Aid Organisation executive director Ivy Josiah said what was needed was "a review of misguided beliefs about women's attire," not a review of the uniform policy.

Men's Action Network Against Violence (man.v) member David Anthony said such statements stereotyped men as people who don't see women as anything other than sex objects.

"It's the wrong attitude ... it's perversion," he said.

Malaysia Sun

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