Islamic party PAS is running the risk of turning away moderate voters by implementing "foolish" policies such as punishing women over what they wear, warned DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng today.

Lim was referring to the latest move - the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) decision to fine women who are 'indecently dressed' on the job at retail premises and in eateries.

"Such self-inflicted wounds are politically and economically foolish as these will drive away moderate voters as well as foreign investment," he said in a statement.

PAS managed to retain Kelantan in the last general election despite a good showing by Umno, which now believes it can wrest the state in the next elections.

In recent years, PAS has gone on a charm offensive to attract non-Muslim voters so that the party can perform well nationwide.

However, Lim said that all previous efforts by PAS to show its tolerant face and progressive image have been undermined by the MBKB decision.

"Such moral dress codes will only show that the rebranding exercise carried out by PAS is merely cosmetic and reinforces the sentiment among non-Muslims that PAS poses a threat to their daily lives and livelihood," he said.

"Such moral policing of what non-Muslim women wear can be regarded a transgression of non-Muslim rights as they should not be subjected to Islamic moral code of conduct."

'Revoke the ruling'

Yesterday, the MPKB announced that women - both Muslims and non-Muslims - working in retail outlets and restaurants in Kelantan must be properly covered.

The council said it would not tolerate indecent dressing by women and would fine offenders up to RM500 under the local council by-laws.

Under the ruling, Muslim women must wear dresses which cover their ankles and a scarf ( tudung ) which covers the hair and forehead.

Non-Muslims must wear outfits which do not expose the navel, reveal cleavage and emphasise the buttocks. They are banned from wearing body-hugging outfits, blouses which show the navel, see-through blouses, mini skirts and tight pants.

"Such outfits are prohibited here as it smears the reputation of Kota Baru and affects its status as an Islamic City," MPKB public relations officer Mohd Azman Daham was quoted as saying in The Star today.

Lim said the PAS-led government should immediately revoke the ruling, adding that if at all it wanted to do something positive, it should then restore local council elections.

"Any failure to do so will show that PAS does not practise what it preaches about upholding democracy and human rights," he said.

"It is sad that PAS appears obsessed in what women wear than in how to improve the livelihood of the residents of Kota Baru."