I refer to the letter Decency: A fine line by IBK in which the writer argues that, unlike the authorities in Kota Baru, the Europeans have valid reasons to infringe on the rights of Muslim immigrants by banning the 'hijab' and veil out of fear for their security.

Since the writer did also mention the Taliban, it is worth taking note that the Afghans had never tasted better security than the one briefly provided by Taliban during their short reign. If security justifies infringement of personal rights, then the Taliban should be the 'guru' of the Europeans.

If banning the hijab and veil could deter terrorism and extremism on European soil, then what is the current spending of hundreds of billions of dollars and the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan for? Aren't these regions the frontlines in the war against terror?

The more logical reason for the banning of certain Muslim attire by some Europeans authorities is politics the policy-makers are trying their best to appease public perceptions. Something not dissimilar with the Kota Baru Municpal Council's (MPKB) recent 'no-sexy-dressing' regulation. An MPKB officer admitted the enforcement of the ruling is a response to growing public complaints against the 'short and tight jeans' and 'bellies-on-display' fashions.

The banning of the hijab and the veil in public in Europe, I believe, is more a result of a growing discomfort with foreign cultures and values by Europeans who perceive the hijab and veil as symbols of Muslim immigrants' defiance against European cultures and values. The 'fear' and 'security' excuses could only be best described as an afterthought.

I believe, too, that the banning of sexy dressing in Kota Baru is a result of public resentment towards the perceived symbols of defiance to local values. Thus, the MPKB executes its ruling in the interest of the public, which is the very same excuse given by its counterparts in Europe.

For many Europeans, a person wearing a veil in public is one who does not respect local values, and thus should not be treated with respect. Similarly, for many Kelantanese, a person showing her belly and curves on the streets of Kota Baru falls in the same category. She may not necessarily be a bad or 'dirty' girl, but if one believes that respect should be earned, then earn it decently.

The last paragraph of IBK's letter, nonetheless, reveals the real and true reason why the critics of the Kota Baru council are so much against the banning of sexy attire a false perception that PAS is intending to have a Taliban-style government in Malaysia.

It seems that passing judgement on people based on their assumed intention, rather than on their actual deeds, has become more common these days.

And in response to Ida Bakar's Kota Baru municipal council scores an own goal , I don't think the move by the council could in any way distort the image of Islam. They are not forcing anyone to wear the 'tudung' but are instead conducting extensive education on the covering of the 'aurat' among Muslims. They are merely acting against those who are underdressed, insulting local norms and inciting uneasiness among locals.

I opine it would be even more distorting for Islam had the municipal council not done anything, thus leading to a confrontation between disgruntled members of the public and these sexily- dressed individuals which may lead to many uncalled incidents. Surely, the council could not turn a deaf ear to the growing public complaints.

The showing of bellies and 'curves' in public is deemed to be a genuine insult to the majority of Kota Baru's tax-paying residents. Anyone who conducts a survey in KB would surely confirm this argument.