Whither the Malay identity


A FAMOUS entertainer, some years before her demise, requested that newspapers and TV stations not use any photos or visuals without her wearing the tudung (hijab). Those were her jahiliah (ignorant) days, she had said. She was not alone. Many Muslim ladies today dread their earlier photos without the tudung to be posted even among family WhatsApp groups.

Back then, Malay women were proudly manifesting their Malayness. They wore baju kurung, even kebaya. Just look at the golden era of Malay cinema in the 50s and early 60s. No one was wearing the tudung. Perhaps my mother’s generation was a lot less complicated. Yet I am sure they were no less religious then than women of today.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Columnists

Concerns over division this Raya
Democratic integrity at stake
There was nun like her
Diligence pays when booking stays
Liverpool and Arsenal slip and fall as City seize control
Mid-east rumblings cast shadow over Paris, and Malaysia tries to make it a score
Personal information protection in the digital economy: What has been done?
More Malaysians heading to Middle Kingdom
Stronger flow but weakening libido
Shades of Tanjung Piai?

Others Also Read