Umno’s Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said has defended DAP’s Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh against criticisms over the latter's recent choice to don the headscarf in a mosque to meet her constituents.
Taking to Twitter, Azalina (above) said Yeoh had acted according to her role as an elected representative.
"YB @hannahyeoh did what any responsible and professional MP would do, ie serve her constituency and respect mosque etiquette," said Azalina, also the special adviser to the prime minister on law and human rights.
Azalina's message appears to be well received, with many commenters expressing their agreement, noting it was also a statement that cuts across political rivalries between Umno and DAP.
The Umno lawmaker further took a swipe at parties who insisted on framing the issue through a racial or religious lens.
"After 64 years of Merdeka, are we not ashamed to still resort to hateful politics using race and religion? Enough la!" she stressed.
While Azalina did not mention any names, among Yeoh's critics had included former Johor DAP chairperson Dr Boo Cheng Hao, who questioned whether it was a superficial political stunt to win Malay support.
Boo argued that "over appeasing" would come across as pretentious, and Pakatan Harapan and DAP should not try to be a party that they are not while presenting their ideology in a way that all Malaysians can relate to.
When contacted over the controversy surrounding her decision to wear the headscarf, Yeoh previously said that as a multiracial party, the manner of dress when attending religious functions or venues is a sign of respect.
She said donning the headscarf in a mosque will also not sway her Christian faith or her racial identity.
Earlier today, Yeoh stressed the importance for the voices of a moderate Malaysia to be given enough space to be heard above all others. - Mkini
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