Monday October 31, 2005
Student leaders want IIU to review ‘tudung’ ruling
BY ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: Student leaders of public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) are suggesting that the International Islamic University (IIU) review its ruling requiring non-Muslim students to wear the tudung.
Spokesman for presidents of IPTA student representative councils, Mohd Efendi Omar, said they were not taking sides but felt that it should not be made compulsory for non-Muslims.
“For Muslims there is no question about it, but there should be sensitivity when involving non-Muslims.
“If they (non-Muslims) feel comfortable wearing the tudung, then they should go ahead, but they should not be compelled to do so if they don't feel comfortable,” said Efendi, when contacted yesterday.
Efendi is also the president of Universiti Malaya's student representative council.
Yesterday, 12 Indian non-governmental organisations lodged a police report against the IIU Senate for what they deemed was a ruling that went against freedom of religion and the Federal Constitution.
When contacted in Miri yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the matter would be discussed at the next national unity panel meeting.
“The outcome will be submitted to the Government for consideration and action,” he said.
He said the IIU, as an Islamic university, made the wearing of tudung as part of its dress code during graduation ceremonies and on campus.
“Because it is a university ruling, students have to adhere to it as a matter of procedure and discipline.
“They were aware of this requirement before they chose to study in IIU,” said Dr Ongkili.
He said that if there were individuals who felt their basic rights were infringed by such rulings, they could lodge complaints to the relevant bodies.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow declined to comment when contacted.
An IIU media relations officer also declined to respond.
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