The National Fatwa Council still deems it haram for Muslim women to take part in beauty pageants, even if they do not parade in swimwear, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom says.

“The Fatwa Council did not state clothes. It said (participation in) beauty pageants is prohibited. It did not question the outfits,” Jamil told reporters this afternoon.

Jamil Khir said that the council's decision cannot be reviewed and any individual who oppose can be charged in court for insulting Islam.

"If you oppose, we have laws and provisions (to deal with it). (The penalty) is not very heavy. (Only) two years (in jail) and a RM3,000 fine," he said, in reference to Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) 1997.

Last Thursday, organisers of Miss Malaysia World 2013 met Jawi officials to explain how competition rules had been amended to accomodate those who were unable to participate in its swimsuit contest.

Organisers said they were optimistic following the meeting and expects Jawi to make an announcement by tomorrow.

Four Muslims were shortlisted as the 20 finalist for Miss Malaysia World 2013. Rules were changed to allow participants to don sports wear instead of a swimsuit.

The winner of the competition would represent Malaysia at Miss World 2013 to be held in Indonesia in September. The competition had amended its format - ditching swimsuits for sarongs - to respect local sensitivities.

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