(AFP) Malaysians will not be prevented from criticising Singapore's ban on Islamic headscarves at school as it concerns all Muslims, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said today.

His remark follows a statement by Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong urging citizens to reject foreign interference, saying "race and religious relations in Singapore are matters for Singaporeans to decide, not foreigners."

But Syed Hamid said: "The issue of headscarves concerns Muslims worldwide. This is not a question about interference in (Singapore's) internal affairs.

"Sometimes their people comment on what happens in Malaysia. Sometimes our people comment on what is happening there."

Raising fund and support

Asked for Malaysia's official stance on the issue, he said: "What Singapore wants to do is its own affair. But we cannot avoid comments from the public. The government does not interfere."

Syed Hamid refused to comment on Goh's statement that some Muslims from Singapore had travelled to neighbouring Malaysia to seek support and raise funds for their cause, saying he would not respond to newspaper reports.

Singapore does not allow Muslim girls to wear headscarves at school, saying the rule is designed to promote racial harmony. Three girls have been suspended and another withdrawn from school by her parents after they flouted the ban.

The controversy led to sharp criticism from some politicians in Malaysia.