Proposal to allow Muslim women partake in Unduk Ngadau inapt – USIA

KOTA KINABALU: Pertubuhan Islam Seluruh Sabah (USIA) regards the proposal by the statelevel Kaamatan Festival Unduk Ngadau organising committee to allow Muslim women to participate in the beauty pageant as inappropriate.

USIA chief Datuk Sairin Karno said Unduk Ngadau held in conjunction with the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival would still be lively as usual without the participation of Muslim women.

“Unduk Ngadau has been organised for a long time and its concept and objectives are already known. Therefore, it is best it remains that way and not create controversy by suggesting the participation of Muslim women in this beauty pageant.

“Also, the Muslim community is aware of why Muslim women are forbidden from entering beauty contests,” he said in response to the suggestion by the beauty pageant's organising committee chairman, Joanna Kitingan for Muslim women be allowed to participate in Unduk Ngadau to make it inclusive.

“Although the reason given is practising inclusiveness, it is still inapt as it could cause controversy and unease among the Muslim community,” he added.

Sairin also agreed with the views expressed by Samin Ongki, the Sabah director of Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) on the matter as the latter's strong arguments were based on the Sabah Islamic Administration Enactment and the edict issued by the State Fatwa Committee.

“I understand Joanna's intention but unfortunately, her suggestion touches of the Muslim community's sensitivity and what is more worrying is that it could cause controversy, which should be avoided,” he said. - Bernama