The inspector-general of police has ordered that all female personnel in the police force put on the headscarf during parades and official functions. The reason for this order, according to the IGP, was for uniformity.

Muslim policewomen who wish to wear the headscarf as part of their religious obligation cannot be forced to take off their headscarves for parade and official functions just for the sake of uniformity. Thus, in order to create uniformity amongst the policewomen, all policewomen must put on headscarves. Simple logic.

Now, male personnel in the police force who profess the Sikh religion and wish to wear the Sikh turban as part of their religious obligation cannot be forced to take off their turbans. So, according to the IGP's logic, all other policemen must then put on the turban for parades and official functions for purposes of uniformity.

Otherwise, the much desired uniformity amongst police personnel cannot be achieved unless the IGP only desires for uniformity amongst female personnel but does not care about uniformity amongst male personnel, which will make him appear highly inconsistent. This is of course assuming the Royal Malaysian Police is not thinking of banning Sikh policemen wearing the turban from participating in parades and official functions.

Lest anyone jumps at this and declares that Muslims may not wear any symbols, clothing, etc, that make them appear to be followers of religions other than Islam, please note that the turbans worn by Sikhs that we see in Malaysia are not exclusive to the Sikh religion. Many Muslims wear them in the Pakistan and India as part of their daily attire.

After all, as Tadin Sahak mentioned, there should not be any problem if everyone regards the headscarf as part of the police ceremonial dress. Same should go for the turbans.