Gerakan Youth has condemned the call by the Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) for Muslims to boycott hotels which bar their Muslim staff from wearing headscarves at the front desk.

Legal bureau chairperson Chai Ko Thing urged PPIM to cancel the boycott, saying it goes against the premise of “individual rights” and would affect the nation's economy.

He said it is important for all parties to remain calm and continue to exercise restraint while allowing the government to take necessary steps.

“In the height of recent incidents which have caused religious sensitivity such as the launderette fiasco and haircut, it is high time to revisit the idea of passing the National Harmony Bill which was mooted earlier by the government, while the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) and Department of National Unity and Integrity should play a more proactive role in diffusing sensitive situations,” he added in a statement.

On the same note, Chai clarified that Gerakan Youth is opposed to the policy which barred the wearing of headscarves.

He said it is an individual's rights and freedom to decide whether to wear a headscarf at the workplace as it is an accepted dress code and does not hinder a person's performance.

He called on the hotels to drop the policy as it violated Article 11 of the Federal Constitution.

Chai also called on the government to take immediate action and change this policy which is practiced by certain hotels.

He said government leaders should speak up and take concrete steps to protect the religious rights and freedom without undermining workplace demands and business operations.

He said clothes items of different ethnic communities should be accepted as dress code at workplaces without disrupting the task one undertakes or their safety and public harmony.

Chai called on all parties to protect with legislation the right to wear the traditional clothing of all ethnic communities in Malaysia, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.