Non-Muslim reps wear headscarves as show of solidarity

From left - Lim Yi Wei (Kampung Tunku), Michelle Ng Mei Sze (Subang Jaya), Wong Siew Ki (Balakong) and Lee Kee Hiong (Kuala Kubu Baru).

SHAH ALAM: As a mark of solidarity with their Muslim comrades, the state’s non-Muslim women elected representatives donned the headscarf at the Selangor Legislative Assembly sitting.

The suggestion for the elected representatives to wear the headscarf was mooted by Sungai Kandis assemblyman Zawawi Ahmad Mughni during the assembly session on Thursday (March 21).

This comes after Kiwi women decide to wear the headscarf on Friday (March 22) as a mark of support for the country’s Muslim community following the shooting of worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch last week.

The non-Muslims reps were Lee Kee Hiong (Kuala Kubu Baru), Wong Siew Ki (Balakong), Michelle Ng Mei Sze (Subang Jaya) and Lim Yi Wei (Kampung Tunku).

Besides them, other Pakatan Harapan non-Muslim women leaders who visited the state assembly also wore headscarves.

Missing was Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong who has been on medical leave since Tuesday (March 19).

“I am thankful to all the state assemblymen who wore the headscarf in support of the solidarity campaign.

“It is also an effort to show all Malaysians that we must be united in rejecting all forms of extremism and radicalism as these breed violence and destruction,’’ said Zawawi.

Sentosa assemblyman Gunaraj George said the show of solidarity was also reflective that humanity still prevailed.

“We may have our differences but at the end of the day, we are there to lend support to each other,’’ he said.

PKR Bukit Melawati assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli said it was touching that her non-Muslim colleagues had chosen to wear the headscarf.

“This is what Malaysia is about which is unity and camaraderie amongst its multi-racial communities,’’ she said.

PKR national women’s wing vice-president Sangetha Jayakumar said the show of solidarity was timely.

We must work hard to embrace diversity in Malaysia and promote love, peace and understanding."

She added extremism, which was the catalyst behind the Christchurch massacre, must be curbed to prevent unnecessary violence and mayhem.