Majlis Amanah Rakyat or Mara came under fire for issuing a directive to bar female students in Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) from wearing the tudung labuh (headscarves covering the chest).

Its critics accused Mara of being un-Islamic and breaching the Federal Constitution. News of the directive was revealed in the latest edition of PAS organ Harakah . No reasons were stated in the directive.

A check with the MRSM's student affairs department by malaysiakini confirmed that the directive was issued by Mara's director-general Zamani Md Noor on Oct 5 and subsequently circulated to the principles of the 31 colleges nationwide.

According to an officer, the new regulation will be enforced beginning next semester.

On the possibility of appeal, he said parents and students who are dissatisfied can appeal to Mara or the respective principles.

"Of course they can always appeal but we will still enforce the directive next semester...students will have to abide by the new regulation.

"We are carrying out instructions from our superiors," added the officer, who declined to be named.

Islamic state

Meanwhile, PAS Kuala Terengganu MP Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi said the directive had caused uneasiness among parents and teachers who feel the new dress code was unwarranted and unfair.

"Most of them have been wearing the tudung since primary school and have faced no problems so far.

"Furthermore, students at government schools are allowed to wear the tudung labuh and so the parents are wondering why the double standards regarding MRSM students," he added.

He asked why should Mara find fault with the tudung when it is allowed by the Education Ministry.

Syed Azman said he hopes to clarify the issue with Entrepreneur Development Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, who is in charge of the statutory body.

"I have been unable to raise the matter with the minister who is currently on sick leave. We hope that the directive will be eventually reviewed," he added.

Also taking Mara to task, was PAS Muslimat information chief Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud who described the directive as "irrational" and "un-Islamic" .

She also called on Nazri to explain the rationale behind the directive.

The PAS leader said such a move was upsetting because the government has claimed that Malaysia is an Islamic state.

(In 2001, the former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had declared that Malaysia was an Islamic country (Negara Islam) as Islam was the official religion of the country.)

She added that the directive proved the insensitivity of Umno leaders regarding the correct teachings of the religion which clearly encourages women to cover their heads and chests.

Malay non-governmental organisation Teras also joined in the fray and demanded an immediate review as the directive breached the Federal Constitution.

"Do they know that the directive is not only un-Islamic but also violates the students' freedom to practice their faith as provided in the constitution," said its president Azmi Abdul Hamid.

He also urged Mara to clarify if it had consulted the religious scholars before issuing the directive.