KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Women gymnasts in PAS-led Terengganu will be competing in the martial arts event of wushu instead of their own category ahead of Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) next year after the state government rejected their non-Shariah compliant attire.
The Terengganu Gymnastics Association (PGNT) president Abdul Razak Mat Amin told news portal Malaysiakini today that it will accept the state government’s wushu offer after its attempt to reach a compromise failed.
“I met the exco three times and our association even suggested a more appropriate attire, but this was rejected. So, we will abide by the decision.
“For now, our women gymnasts will be absorbed into the wushu event. So far, six of them have been moved to this event,” he was quoted as saying.
He said PGNT has not sent women gymnasts to the biennial games since last year due to the prohibition, adding that they were prepared for the changes despite the challenges as they would have to compete with actual wushu athletes to represent Terengganu in Sukma 2024.
The state government came up with the controversial Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism and Sports guideline in March 2020 that recommended what Muslim and non-Muslim athletes and performers should and should not wear.
The guideline asked the athletes and performers to dress courteously according to Shariah codes for Muslims, while non-Muslims should not wear outfits that are tight, short or revealing.
The guideline was reportedly raised again during the Terengganu legislative assembly sitting two days ago by the state executive councillor of youth, sports and NGO development Hishamuddin Abdul Karim.
“We do not despise the sport but to allow women athletes in such a manner is inappropriate,” Hishamuddin was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.
