In a time where more and more women are encouraged to pursue their own goals and ambitions whether it be in work or in sports, this new development in Terengganu is sure to raise plenty of eyebrows.
According to an article by Free Malaysia Today, the Terengganu state government is currently in the process of drafting a new shariah-compliant code of conduct for athletes, while also inviting fashion designs across the region to contribute suggestions for new shariah-complaint sports attire designs.
This is on top of the fact that the state has already withdrawn from several sporting events, as they feel that these events do not comply by Islamic rules, says Youth Development, Sports and Non-Government Development Committee chairman Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah.
These new guidelines will not just include rules for appropriate sports attire, but also proper conduct among fellow athletes during sporting events. However, the state government is not planning to rush into implementing these rules yet, and are still open to feedback from relevant parties.
“The decision to withdraw from sporting events such as rhythmic gymnastics and women’s gymnastics was made due to how these events required participating athletes to expose their bodies”, says Wan Sukairi.
“There is no compromise for these sports (rhythmic gymnastics and women’s gymnastics) as they display indecent movements, and unless the audience comprise only women, then maybe we will allow them.” he adds.
In the meantime, athletes in the state will be allowed to wear standard sportswear until the ruling has been formally implemented.
What do you think about the proposed rulings? Do you think that this is a step in the right direction for women in sports?
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