Govt Islamic body says no to Muslims entering Sabah beauty contest

Contestants in traditional dress during an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan beauty pageant. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah chapter of Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) today criticised a plan by organisers of the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan beauty pageant to allow Muslim contestants.

Sabah Yadim director Samin Ongki said the state’s Islamic Administration Enactment and a fatwa issued by the State Fatwa Committee prohibit Muslim women from entering beauty pageants.

He said the organising committee should respect the fatwa.

“I call upon every district officer in Sabah as the organising chairman of the district-level Kaamatan fest celebration not to allow it,” he said.

Yesterday, local media reported that the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan beauty pageant would seek approval of the Sabah Islamic religious affairs authority to allow Muslim contestants. -FMT