Non-governmental organisation Women's Development Collective (WDC) today urged Kuala Terengganu municipal council president Dr Sulaiman Abdullah to retract his "undemocratic, racist and sexist" decision to ban all women, non-Muslims included, from public singing and dancing.

According to WDC executive director Maria Chin Abdullah, Sulaiman's decision was in direct violation of the Federal Constitution and the cultural rights of Malaysians.

In the Star today, Sulaiman ( left ) - who is also the state assembly person for Ladang - justified the ban by stating that state policies governing Muslims and non-Muslims should be same, as the Muslims "who comprise 95 percent of the population object to such activities in public as it is against Islam."

Weak arguments

Maria said in a statement that the council's "questionable" decision was "insensitive and undemocratic", as it is justified on grounds that sheer majority numbers alone can decide for the other ethnic groups.

"The ability to assert views cannot be based on numbers but on the concept of respect for each other as dignified human beings. We cannot be governed by such weak arguments and yet at the same time advocate for a harmonious multicultural society," she said.

"By justifying that the dominance of an ethnic group shall determine the enactment of policies which affect all citizens shows that Dr Sulaiman has no regard for differing and diverse views."

"We question the manner in which decisions were made at the state level. Was there any consultation made with citizens on such a crucial policy?"

She also said the recent decision to ban a Deepavali show originally scheduled for Oct 3 as "ignorant" on the part of the council.

Double standards

"The banning of music, female dancers and singers at a Deepavali Cultural Night to be held at Primula Beach Resort shows the ignorance of the state council towards the Hindu religion,"she said.

She added that it is "absurd" that women performing in homes are also legally required to apply for a permit. The comment was in reference to a council decision requiring those intending to perform in private - homes, association and private halls - to first obtain a RM50 per day permit.

"There is double standard in the policy to ban singing and dancing for women only, whereas such action was not extended to male performers," she said.

"It is obvious the president is unaware of the amendment to the Federal Constitution which discourages gender discrimination."

The curbing of women's participation, said Maria, shows "contempt and disregard" for the struggle towards gender equality, and is another form of "regressive and archaic" control over women.

"Women's 'good' behaviour is boxed into particular socialised roles, ie. women are not seen or heard, and that they only need to serve, care and reproduce due to biological reasons," she said.