(AFP) Sharp criticism mounted today over Singapore's ban on its schoolgirls from wearing tudung (head scarf), despite the republic's objection to interference in its internal affairs.

PAS vice-president Mustapha Ali told AFP that the tiny republic should allow the schoolgirls to wear tudung in class.

"Head scarves do not disrupt racial unity. It poses no problems," he said.

"We support the girls' parents in their stand. This does not mean PAS is interfering in Singapore's affairs," Mustapha said.

Four Muslim schoolgirls have been threatened with suspension for wearing tudung at school.

The tudung, can be worn to and from school but have to be taken off during lessons under strict Singaporean rules designed to promote racial harmony.

Two students have now complied with the school uniform rules after pressure from the authorities, and two others were given until tomorrow to fall in line or face expulsion.

Individual right

Yesterday, Women and Family Development Minister Shahrizat Jalil said every person must be allowed to practise his or her religion and no government can demand otherwise.

Shahrizat said while it is Singapore's internal matter and it is the policy of Malaysia not to interfere, there has to be some kind of respect towards all religions.

Last Thursday, Singapore accused a senior Malaysian official of interfering in the city-state's internal affairs after he commented on the threatened suspension of the four Muslim girls.

"We are surprised at the remarks which Malaysian Deputy Education Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz is reported to have made," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

"This is an interference in Singapore's internal affairs," it said. Abdul Aziz had earlier urged the Singapore government to review its policy on the scarves.

The decision could cause a national conflict, he added.

Intertwined destinies

DAP deputy national chairperson Karpal Singh said Singapore should not be unduly sensitive of criticism by Abdul Aziz.

"The destinies of both countries are so intertwined that care has to be taken by the governments of both countries in the handling of sensitive issues," he said in a statement.

"The Singapore government can ill-afford to ignore the protests over the ruling which defies logic and common sense."