Wanita MCA slams PAS gov't on 'no women singing for men' rule

Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie has come out swinging against the PAS-led state government in Terengganu for its issuance of gender segregation guidelines on event organisers.

The guidelines will, among others, bar women entertainers from performing for audiences that have male members, and will soon be enforced in Terengganu.

"Cultural and arts performances should not be forced to follow rules which are discriminatory in nature.

"The decision taken by the Terengganu state government is regrettable, as such an 'extreme' and discriminatory directive is sure to paint a bad image of our nation and jeopardise the economy," said Heng (above) in a statement today.

"We urge the Terengganu state government to review its decision, to ensure that the state’s directives uphold multicultural and moderate values, as well as respect for basic human rights and freedom," she added.

Heng said the 11-point gender segregation guidelines put forth by the Terengganu Tourism, Culture, and Information Technology Committee chairperson Ariffin Deraman show that non-Muslims are not excluded.

"Thus, if the guidelines are enforced, performances by non-Muslims would also be regulated, which include forbidding women artistes from performing before male audiences.

"If these guidelines are passed, the cultural arts performance scene will surely be affected, even to the extent of disrupting our multifaceted lifestyle as well as jeopardise the image of Malaysia as a multi-ethnic country which promotes moderation and upholds the spirit of inclusiveness, unity and harmony.

"The guidelines will thus leave a negative impact on the nation’s tourism and the economy," said Heng.

Ariffin was quoted as saying that the guidelines were supposed to come into force in January but it was postponed.

However, he assured that it will come into force "soon" once legal technicalities are resolved.

"Terengganu should reflect and think of how its actions, albeit just one state’s prerogative, could potentially bring ruin to the system. We should always uphold moderation and respect for basic human rights, so that we can build this nation together," said Heng.

In recent times MCA and PAS have been working together closely, helped to bring victory to BN candidates in the Tanjung Piai and Kimanis by-elections.