Wearing a headscarf in a mosque won't change my race or faith - Yeoh

 

DAP's Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh is unapologetic about wearing a headscarf during a visit to a mosque after her party colleague Dr Boo Cheng Hau reacted negatively towards it and likened it to an attempt to "appease Malays".

Yeoh, who is a Christian, said wearing a headscarf in the mosque doesn't change her beliefs.

"Wearing a selendang (headscarf) when I visit a mosque doesn't change my race or my faith.

"Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Amen," Yeoh (above) said in a Twitter post.

DAP has in the last decade seen friction between its progressive and conservative factions.

The progressive faction, endorsed by the top leadership, wants to see a more diverse DAP while the conservative faction, mostly comprising grassroots leaders, wants to maintain the status quo.

DAP's Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Ronnie Liu previously said the party should not dilute its "Chineseness".

Yeoh and Damansara MP Tony Pua were among the leaders who criticised Liu for the comment.

Liu was defeated in the Selangor DAP election on Nov 14.

Boo, the former Johor DAP chief, lashed out over Yeoh's attire in a WhatsApp group comprising DAP leaders.

"Maybe all of our women reps should wear the hijab not only in mosques but all over in public markets, churches, schools, and so on.

"Best still, all should convert to Islam. Then we will be ensured to win Putrajaya in the next general election. What say you, smart dudes?" Boo had said.

Hannah Yeoh visiting a mosque

Other leaders, whose names were redacted, expressed shock at Boo's comments, pointing out that gurdwaras and some churches in Europe also require visitors to put on a headscarf.

Party sources confirmed the authenticity of the leaked conversations but Boo declined to confirm them, citing party discipline about internal discussions.

He told Malaysiakini, however, that while cultural sensitivity was important, DAP must go beyond "superficial" means in approaching the Malay community, while being fair to all communities.

Yeoh, on Twitter, stressed that the country's greatest strength is its diversity and mutual respect.

"I will not apologise for wearing a selendang in a mosque. "I wore it with conviction that it is the right thing to do for my Muslim brothers and sisters.

"Live in moderation: this is the Malaysia I am committed to rebuilding," she said. - Mkini