Royal drubbing for gymnast's attire critics

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National gymnast Farah Ann Hadi won a slew of medals at the recent SEA Games. But the focus was not on her accomplishment but her attire, which some Muslims found too revealing.

However, her critics were ticked off by Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

"Criticising your attire should be the last matter on the minds of those who commented negatively on social media.

"They should be celebrating your achievements for Malaysia and Selangor," the sultan said in a congratulatory letter to Farah.

According to The Star , the ruler praised the gymnast for making the whole of Malaysia, including Selangor, proud.

Farah, accompanied by her father Abdul Hadi Ahmad, received the letter from a Selangor palace official on Friday.

The sultan also advised Farah not to take the comments of narrow-minded people to heart and to continue to strive to be the best in her field.

"Malaysia's future lies in the younger generation like you and the rakyat supporting them to excel, instead of giving negative comments.

"I am sure it must have taken years of hard work, dedication, determination and long hours of training to reach the level that you have achieved," the sultan is quoted as saying.

In an immediate response, Farah told The Star that she was touched by the sultan’s gesture.

"I would like to express my highest gratitude towards the Sultan of Selangor for taking his time to write me the letter," she said.



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