I could not agree more with Pelita Negara's comments on National Unity and Social Development Minister Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman's statement on 'effeminate' males in colleges and universities.

In an era when we strive for gender equality and non-discrimination, the minister's statement is puzzling. With all due respect, I would like to ask her three questions:

1. Would any man go to the extent of hiding their masculinity if he can help it? So, by telling men to control 'effeminate' behaviour, it is asking them to suppress who they really are.

2. Is there anything in our constitution or law which considers such behaviour a crime? If not, please stop making condescending statements.

3. Is it acceptable then to have women who are more 'masculine' than others in colleges and universities? If so, would that not amount to discrimination against men?

If religion is the basis for such a statement, let me just quote from an interpretation of the surah Al-Mai'dah, ayat 48 . This verse suggests that true believers need to live under God's will, and not human intervention on God's Law.

All matters that pertain to how one should gain true belief and how to act in the correct manner by showing this path to God to the community will be assessed, and then either rewarded or punished by God alone.

My point is, if these men are not hurting anyone, who are we to judge them?