'Support our women athletes, not condemn their outfit' - Zuraida

 

Amid the fervour for the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin has urged Malaysians to support the country’s athletes, instead of condemning what they are wearing.

This comes following a viral social media post criticising Malaysian runner Azreen Nabila Alias (above) for being “fully covered as if she was running during winter” in the Tokyo Olympics competition.

“Women athlete’s attire should have never been an issue. Negative comments on how she chose to dress, whether due to her personal choice, comfort or religious belief should never be tolerated.

“Just when women athletes have begun to take charge in how they dress, degrading and intolerant comments were made recently by a netizen which became widely publicised.

“Azreen Nabila, our own runner, who chose to don the hijab should be supported instead of being attacked. Her dressing has nothing to do with her performance as an athlete,” Zuraida said in a statement today.

The Ampang MP added that all national athletes should be able to perform in their respective competitions with the peace of mind that their country is behind them. - Mkini