Letters
by a JB EC parent
I have a query for you about the English College, Johor Bahru, which is now also known as Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar.
My son who is in Form Five this year, has been a Prefect in EC
since he was in Form Two. He has always been an exemplary student, as well has won praise from many teachers for his exemplary conduct and commitment to his duties and studies. He is also a member of the ExCo of the Prefectorial Board.
Recently, in the beginning of this year, there was an instruction from the school, which I believe came from the teacher advisor to the Prefectorial Board, that Prefects have to start wearing the Songkok as part of the official uniform. At first, the instruction was that it would only be required during “official functions” like school assemblies and during interschool events or major events like sports day and speech day. Hoever, this has now been revised to include daily prefectorial duties.
There are reasons to believe that the practice of getting Prefects to wear the Songkok, is a prelude to getting ALL the students of the school to eventually follow suit.
My son, after conferring with me, has decided that he will NOT wear the Songkok. He is willing to resign from the Prefectorial Board if forced to wear the Songkok.
The rationale behind his refusal, which I stongly support, is that the Songkok is an emblem of the MALAY identity. As non-Malays, he should not be forced to don attire which does not reflect his true identity.
Also, since the Constitution defines Malay as someone who is Muslim, it may give others the wrong impression that he may be Muslim. Although, at first thought, this may sound a bit far-fetched, as the complexion of a Chinese is very different from that of a Malay. But it is also about principle and of providing a precedent. What of the case of a dark-skinned Chinese, or even an Indian, who wears a songkok? Will they be mistaken for Malays?
The issue is also that of “stumbling others.” My son is a devout
Christian, and has been on two trips overseas in the past two years on mission outreaches, to help the poor, and to spread the Gospel. In Christianity, there are exhortations to Christians not to “stumble your brothers.” Apostle Paul had written in the case when food which had been offered to idols should not be consumed esp in the presence of Christian brothers who are not strong in the faith. Perhaps the wearing of the Songkok may also lead others to stumble, as the songkok is associated with Malay identity, and Malays are invariably Muslim. People who see my son wearing a songkok may think that he is a Malay, and thus a Muslim.
There will be those Malays who wish to enforce their culture, albeit in a creeping fashion, unto others, who may defend the move to enforce the songkok, claiming that the Songkok is a National identity, rather than a Malay or Muslim identity.
To that, I ask why:
- the songkok is part of the uniform of the Royal Malay Regiment, and not of say the rangers and others.
- the songkok is worn by Malays who go for Friday prayers, and not on other days.
- the songkok is worn by Malays on Hari Raya and Hari Raya Haji, but NOT on Hari Merdeka.
In fact, the songkok is identified with Malay cultural dress, just as
the cheongsam is with Chinese, and the saree with Indian. And just as the tudung is for Malays, so too the turban is for Sikhs.
IF the rationale behind the move to enforce students is “uniformity” then are Sikhs exempt from wearing them? Where then would be the uniformity?
My other contention, and which should probably be more IN THE INTEREST OF THE MALAY MUSLIM COMMUNITY, is that my son’s refusal to comply with the requirement for non-Malays to wear the songkok, WILL ACTUALLY PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY AND SANCTITY OF THE SONGKOK.
Despite all the denial about the Songkok being associated with Malay identity and hence with Islam (since all Malays are Muslims), the common perception even amongst Malay Muslims themselves, are that someone wearing a songkok IS a Muslim. IMAGINE a situation where a man wearing a songkok is having a beer, or a group of men are photographed in a pub, all wearing songkoks and each lifting a pint into the air!
What would Malays have to say about it then?
Would these be considered as an insult to Islam?
There are other situations where men in songkoks should not be
seen doing things which a Muslim should NOT be doing. For instance, would Muslims be upset if I were to wear a songkok and have my picture taken with a roast pig and the picture displayed?
What if my son wears a songkok and eats in a mamak shop during the month of Ramadan? Of if my son wears a songkok, and walks in the park at 7pm with his girlfriend, who is wearing a tudung (she also a non-Muslim!)
Would Muslim feel a sense of their culture being violated by
non-Muslims in Malay dress, doing things which good Muslims should not be doing? A non-Muslim boy walking sitting on a park bench at night with a non-Muslim girl would be nobody’s business but their own (or their parents). However, this would be a no-no for Muslims. Imagine the confusion if a non-Muslim boy with songkok were to be seen in this “khalwat” situation with a non-Muslim girl in a tudung?
Therefore, I reiterate – it is probably best to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the songkok and tudung, IF they are reserved for Malays and NOT enforced upon non-Malays. Alternatively, it should be left to the personal choice of the individual.
Do you think that my arguments have a basis?
I have no complaints if they make the songkok NON-COMPULSORY, and IF wearing it is just “encouraged” rather than. Would they have a problem if a small cross is pinned to the songkok, to designate that the wearer is not a Muslim?
#1 by Count Dracula on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 8:09 pm
“Yes, we have a choice, even if “they†ask all the minorities to potong. You have a choice to leave the country …” Godfather
Does the ‘asking’ that you refer to here include asking the ladies whether they prefer their men to be with or without their foreskins? Free speech does not belong to men without foreskins only. No matter what our UMNO MPs say.
#2 by Count Dracula on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 8:24 pm
“I don`t think the UN has a leg to stand on that. FGM is now begining to get more support. The UN will have to back down.” Tickler
FGM in Africa is a serious matter because it is real mutilation of the female genitals. Malay and Muslim girls in Malaysia are spared from having to go through the same procedure as some African Muslims are made to go through. In Malaysia female circumcision is more symbolic than real.
FGM is a human rights issue and under U.N. law your African girlfriend is qualified to seek asylum in countries that have adopted the U.N. Convention for Refugees of 1954.
If FGM is practiced in Malaysia than YB Kit should consider fighting against it. It is after all a human rights issue and not a Muslim non-Muslim issue.
#3 by Old Geezer on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:14 pm
Count Dracula: There was a typo in what I said. I meant to say
“So, technically, if you are circumcised, it does NOT mean you are a Muslim although it makes it easier if you want to convert.â€
“One reason why Muslims cannot convert out is because they cannot re-attach their foreskins – they say.” – Count Dracula
There is a way to re-attach the foreskin to convert out but would cost too much.
“The flip side is that many plastic surgeons made much money (esp. In California) in `prepuce growth` for the circumcised (as kids) – this being done thru skin grafts from the thigh area. I hear it`s a somewhat painful process.” – Tickler
#4 by Godfather on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:17 pm
This is really much ado about nothing. We still have a choice – and the choice is not that we leave the country if your son refuses to wear the songkok at a prefect swearing in ceremony. The choice is that your son ceases to be a prefect on the grounds of an individual’s principle.
Equating the wearing of a songkok to the act of forced circumcision is mischievious and is totally out of proportion with the issue of individual choice.
Don’t go for your convocation, don’t accept a datukship, don’t go for the national day parade – if the compulsory wearing of the songkok at such functions is an affront to you personally. As someone said above, others don’t see it as an affront, so let’s not impose our “principles” on others.
#5 by Godfather on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:18 pm
We have far bigger issues to tackle compared to this compulsory wearing of songkok at a prefect swearing in. We are merely distracting ourselves from the core issues.
#6 by DarkHorse on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:43 pm
The core issues are:
1. freedom of speech (forced assimilation of ethnic minorities)
2. freedom of religion (songkok is a religious symbol?)
3. freedom of speech (right not to follow instruction to put on the songkok, creeping Islamization)
But as Dracula says the practice of circumcision like the wearing of the songkok is as much a freedom of speech issue. It is not totally irrelevant.
#7 by DarkHorse on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:50 pm
YB Kit would do well to take up the matter of the wearing of the songkok among non-Malays as a freedom of speech issue when he next appears in Parliament.
#8 by Godfather on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:51 pm
The core issue is that of enforcing our enshrined rights under the constitution. With the corruption of the judiciary, the AG’s chambers, the ACA, the Police, there is increasingly no recourse.
#9 by Jeffrey on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 10:57 pm
It is not just “compulsory wearing of songkok at a prefect swearing in” as the father said, “however, this has now been revised to include daily prefectorial duties”. Of course the boy does not need to be a prefect just like the way Herald could either stop publication of its Bahasa version or use “Tuhan” instead of “Allah” in the Bahasa version of the Herald and so on. That’s not the point : why should people be forced to choose between undesirable alternatives and forgo what is deservedly theirs, just like the case of the boy to being a prefect? It is nonchalence of these small almost imperceptible daily transgressions by petty Napoleons having their unilateral dreams to forge an Islamic State on their own that makes one forgets that, in aggregate, these marginal transgressions accumulate to one Big Trangression of one’s fundamental right as a citizen in the country (unresisted).
#10 by Godfather on Friday, 11 January 2008 - 11:11 pm
The stark reality is two-fold. First, the balance of power has shifted significantly and will continue to shift significantly as the Muslim/non-Muslim ratio rachets up over time. In 20 years, Muslims will outnumber non-Muslims 4:1 through a combination of birth-rate differentials, preferential intakes of new immigrants, and emigration of non-Malays. The 20 pct will become irrelevant in a one-person-one vote system. Second, this 20 pct minority will inevitably become more accomodating rather than more rebellious. That’s the nature of Malaysian Chinese.
Reality, folks, reality.
#11 by Jonny on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 12:39 am
Wearing songkok is no issue at all. But the sinister thoughts behind the works is which puts me off. It can be fought back by …
Why not for whole of next week all non-muslims wear songkok to work, to market. Buy pork from market. Go to bah kut teh in songkok?
What would happen next? There would be uproar right? From then on there shall be a ban on songkok wearing by non-muslims???
Or a set of rules that when wearing songkok can’t buy pork, eat pork or go to bah kut teh stall?
My point is, we Malaysians are really superficial lot and got not much substance within.
#12 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 1:03 am
Guys! What is in a songkok?
What’s in a songkok?
I tell you what’s in a songkok. You could hide explosive in your songkok. To board a plane in the U.S. you’d need to take them off to be examined.
That’s what in a songkok!
#13 by Old Geezer on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 1:29 am
As I have mentioned in an earlier posting, the songkok has been part of the dress uniform of the St John Ambulance in Malaysia since at least the late 60′s before this Islamic fervour started in the country. I presumed it was chosen to give a Malaysian identity. Note that St John Ambulance has a Christian origin and the cross is on its emblem. I am not sure about now, but I know that years ago, there were Malay members and for all I know there was no problem of them wearing this emblem with a cross.
The trouble started when people (both Malays and non-Malays) associated the songkok with Islam. That include the people who originate the policy with an ulterior motive (or sinister motive as Jonny puts it) to make it an Islamic symbol, and those that perceive an ulterior motive when in fact there could be none.
Jonny has an interesting point there about buying pork in a songkok. That would be interesting to see. If they are offended, then we can say for sure that it is now a Muslim symbol. If they are not offended and if the iman also said so, then the non-Malays should not complain but treat it as part of a Malaysian attire. The govt should clarify that and make an official pronouncement.
With DAP’s concept of a Malaysian Malaysia, what would be the appropriate head gear for a man that all in Malaysia would agree that represents the Malaysian identity?
#14 by politicalopinions on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 1:35 am
[deleted]
I looked through Malaysiakini a while ago. I saw a news where the internal security ministry confiscated children christian books. What if I start confiscating your Muslim books and deprive your kids of the teaching of your God? Don’t do to others what you do not want others to do to you.
[deleted] if UMNO really want a peaceful country, forget about race, forget about religion…WE ARE MALAYSIANS. Look at USA. They seek for a change. They might even have a black president…so what? Go back to meritocracy and humanitarian. Let the best leaders lead us and at the same time, have the qualities of Christ.
History teaches us a lot about what would come next. I have a feeling that if things go on like it is today, we’ll end up like Pakistan and Kenya. At that time, no matter what great deeds you’ve (UMNO ppl) done, people will only remember your bad deeds. That time, you’ll be cursed by millions and your descendants will suffer the punishment and humiliation.
#15 by malaysiatoday.com on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 3:19 am
Godfather Says:
Yesterday at 22: 51.00
The core issue is that of enforcing our enshrined rights under the constitution. With the corruption of the judiciary, the AG’s chambers, the ACA, the Police, there is increasingly no recourse.
====
Erosion of your personal rights in perserving your culture and religion is not CORE issue. What on earth something is called core issue.
#16 by gofortruth on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 3:38 am
I think there are enough issues for every fair minded Malaysian citizen to want to have a change of gorvenment or at least a stronger opposition representation in the next parliament so that the gomen can’t bulldoze their way through any ridiculous policy, eg extention of EC tenure for 1 year.
The most important thing at hand now is how do we pass these messages down to our folks in the cities & villages.
Is there a web site where we can easily download ‘the materials’ quickly in different languages so that we can send to those without access to the internet???? Its urgent now that GE is just round the corner.
Uncle YB Lim please get us involve!
#17 by kwkean on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 6:01 am
UMNO ban the word ‘Allah’ from being use by non-Muslim due to religious issue, then we should ban non-Malay from wearing ‘songkok’ too. Correct, correct, correct, anyone ask you to wear it, you just tell them your religious don’t allow it, the same reason as UMNO’s Islam don’t allow us to use the word ‘Allah’. Nanti boleh jadi HARAM!
To all the Malay, pls remember this. Wearing anything voluntarily is different then wearing something FORCEFULLY. To us Chinese, wearing songkok = masuk Islam. It is not longer an official outfit of the Malay culture, to us is more like a religious issue. I don’t mind wearing Baju Melayu, very beautiful indeed but for songkok, is a no, no. If you want me to wear something, I would rather wear those bandanna wore by Malay warrior during the Sultan era. Thats what I call REAL Malay outfit, not the songkok which have Islam value in it!
To the concern parent who wrote this letter, advise your child to quit the Prefectorial Board and his prefect duty if the school insist them to wear songkok everyday. Do not sacrifice your children freedom of religious and your children don’t need a good testimonial to get into a good college or private uni, a good SPM/SPTM result is more then enough. With the current local uni ranking, give me free I also don’t want to enter, spoil my future only.
#18 by toyolbuster on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 2:32 pm
My contention is not about the wearing of songkok, but the way the school authorities are trying to implement this for political reasons only known to them. Personally, I feel that wearing a songkok is just donning an apparel which is culturally inclined. I see a lot of Chinese girls wearing baju kurung on Fridays, and with pride. As a Malaysian of Chinese origin, I used to dress up my sons with baju Melayu complete with the songkok and samping whenever we attended Malay wedding receptions or kenduri. On the other hand, during Chinese New Year, I have seen Malay TV news presenters wearing Traditional Chinese ancient costumes which I find quite grotesque. Reminds me of those corpse lying in Chinese coffins. Our dear friend Raja Petra enjoys wearing a French Cap (I mean French Beret). That doesn’t make him any French. But, having said all that, I strongly protest against the implementation of wearing songkok for school prefects, especially for non-malays. Schools and places of religious worships are very noble institutions, not any political playing fields.
#19 by ahoo on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 2:33 pm
Thanks YB and Jeffrey! I was told by my daughter that
her class teacher told her that by moving her to a lower
class was to get her to help those lower achiever than
herself. Whether this move is a new policy implemented
or just the teacher’s way of new teaching methodology.
As for year concern,…… 2008, just last week. We should
all concentrate on the more urgent matter of the coming
GE and I personally will find out more clearly directly from
the teacher concerned. Sorry YB can’t meet you in
Sitiawan as that is my voting place but not my work place.
#20 by Kanasaikia on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 6:47 pm
Ok, everyone! I’m a prefect in EC currently & I would like to tell you all this that this songkok wearing thing didn’t just come out recently. It has already been there for nearly 30 years & for vetaran like us (currently in upper 6), wearing green songkok is a tradition. I have wirte about this in my blog. The current situation is due to miscommunication between school & prefect & also lack of history knowledge about prefectorial board of EC by the juniors
#21 by dranony on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 10:46 pm
kanasaikia,
i have reliable information that you have only been a Prefect at EC for only SIX(6) months!
That _hardly_ qualifies yourself to be a “veteran” (btw it is not “vetaran”) of the Prefectorial Board.
It is plainly evident from the initial post by EC Parent that his son has been a prefect much longer than you have, and this issue had NEVER been raised in ALL the entire time that the son had been a prefect.
So PLEASE Do NOT mislead everyone here into thinking that wearing of the songkok had been ongoing for the past thirty years.
If you wish to wear the songkok, whether by choice, or out of fear of reprimand or intimidation by school authorities, it is entirely up to you.
But we should not FORCE anyone to wear the songkok if they choose not to.
A student from that same school, tells me of yet another serious incident, which occured some time ago:
During the school’s Co-Curriculum Day in 2007, a Doa session was held at the start of the events. ALL students were required to raise their hands in prayer as Muslims do, whether they were Muslim or not!
Those who felt uneasy to comply as they were not Muslims, were punished by the teacher! I wonder, were you one of those who DID comply?
I have been told that about thirty non-Muslim students (chinese and indian) were eventually punished. Why don’t you ask those who were punished and report here whether this is true?
#22 by Kanasaikia on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 11:21 pm
Well! Y i say i’m vetaran becoz i study in dis school for nearly 7 years eventhought i’m not a prefect be4 det but I noe well in dis abt songkok stuff ( i hv a lot of fren wic is prefect) n becoz dis this songkok thing started 2 vanish in my form 4 years ( wic is wen det prefect get himself in 2 de prefectorial board. Det time he is form 2) det is y he didn’t noe abt de songkok matter. If u dun believe dis songkok thing reli existed be4 he came, u can ask ppl of my batch or be4. I swear dey will tell u de same answer as i said. Since i’m in dis sch for so long, is it consider misleading? Or u wan me to get u some old time pic or bring u in2 our museum to look thru de album den only u believe?
As for the songkok thing, i have already explain in my blog, u can go n hv a read abt it & if u wana noe wad a person i’m, plz go thru my blog posts. I’m not those who will side anyone ezily.
For de co-co day matter, i don’t know about it coz I didn’t participate in it. Btw, i muz thx u 4 telling me det such things existed n i will like to noe more on de incident.
#23 by Count Dracula on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 11:29 pm
“To all the Malay, pls remember this. Wearing anything voluntarily is different then wearing something FORCEFULLY. To us Chinese, wearing songkok = masuk Islam.”
This is the public perception of the Malay ‘songkok’ that has to be corrected.
The ‘songkok’ per se has nothing to do with Islam. Islam requires that Muslim when praying should cover their hair. Even then visit mosques in London or in Chicago, or Istanbul you will Muslims praying without any covering that would prevent their hair touching their prayer mats.
Of course this is not an argument for the compulsory wearing of the Malay ‘songkok’ by non-Malays. We are a nation of diverse ethnicities. How boring would it be if everybody were to dress the same way?
The government should not intrude into the private lives and preferences of the individual. It is an issue best viewed as a freedom of speech issue.
#24 by Count Dracula on Saturday, 12 January 2008 - 11:34 pm
“During the school’s Co-Curriculum Day in 2007, a Doa session was held at the start of the events. ALL students were required to raise their hands in prayer as Muslims do, whether they were Muslim or not!
Those who felt uneasy to comply as they were not Muslims, were punished by the teacher!”
This is really sad!
#25 by mindenn on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 12:02 am
I grad from EC 6 years ago, during that times all the male prefects wore the songkok regardless of races as told by Kanasaikia, so it’s really not a new issue in EC.
#26 by limkamput on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 2:51 am
One reason why Muslims cannot convert out is because they cannot re-attach their foreskins – they say. dracula
This is the debate of a great intellect. We no one else. They say? who say?
#27 by Old Geezer on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 3:12 am
I am glad to see some level-headed comments but also sad to see people criticising for the sake of criticising.
I have mentioned before that we have to look at all the facts first before arriving at a conclusion.
If Kanasaikia is right about the songkok being historically a part of the ceremonial uniform for many years, won’t it make us all a bit stupid to be making a storm in a tea-cup for nothing?
Both Malays and non-Malays may have misconceptions about the songkok. So, ask the govt to announce whether the songkok should be an Islamic symbol to inform both Malays and non-Malays, and then proceed from there.
Otherwise, it would be tragic if a Chinese get beaten up by an ignorant Malay mob if he happens to eat or buy pork in his ceremonial head gear.
#28 by laifoong on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 9:03 am
aiyaaaah! limkamphut…lu punya ‘foreskin’ sudah potong la…apa lagi lu mau cakap??
#29 by chiakchua on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 3:04 pm
“If Kanasaikia is right about the songkok being historically a part of the ceremonial uniform for many years, won’t it make us all a bit stupid to be making a storm in a tea-cup for nothing?” Old Geezer
Yes, better to get facts right.
While letting the posters to comment on current issue, it is ‘VITAL’ for DAP/PKR/PAS to come up with their ideal management policies for the country; short term, mid term and long term.
If NEP is the culprit, what is the alternative?
Complete abolishment? You would scared away all the Malays and you would never take control of the government.
Religion policy?
Education policy?
Come out with the opposition front’s manifesto on the above few important issues so that posters could have a chance to contribute their view. It will also let the rakyat have a clear mind of what would it be if the opposition front comes into reign.
#30 by limkamput on Sunday, 13 January 2008 - 9:19 pm
laifoong, saya banyak boleh cakap, walaupun foreskin sudah potong. Kamu tidak ada foreskin langsung untuk dipotong. Lagi sedih, bukan.
#31 by lakshmi on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 9:56 am
I am a Hindu mother. As much as I think that the baju kurung is a comfortable attire, I forbade my daughter from wearing it to school because, as I told her, the matter is small, but the principle is great. As long as the non Muslims are discriminated against in many ways in school, universities, employment, buying houses, places of worship etc, we have to show them that we will not make them feel that it is okay to wear a baju kurung or a songkok for the non muslims but haram for the muslims to wear the sari, the cheongsam or the gandhi cap or anything else deemed by them to be haram.
#32 by needtospeak on Monday, 14 January 2008 - 8:56 pm
I spent 5 years in a fully residential school back in the 70′s schooling & living with malays. Being the only chinese girl in the whole form, all my friends were naturally malays. I made some good friends during that time. I used to wear the baju kurung on fridays even though it was not compulsory to do so. However it would be a totally different situation if it had been forced upon me. I agree totally with a post(er?) from another thread who wrote “the forceful imposition of one cultural emblem or practice unto another minority, serves only to alienate them and make them feel even more marginalized.”
I believe that if left alone, most of us will eventually accept each others cultures and practices and may even adopt the ones we like. For example the giving of “ang pow” packets during CNY. We even have pink packets for Deepavali now! And the adoption of the baju kurung which is so comfortable as lakshmi mentioned although she has forbidden her daughter from wearing it. That is her prerogative and she should stand by what she believes in.
In the same manner, many of the people who have written in have actually tried to tell the “EC parent” & “EC prefect” what they should or should not do. That, to a certain extent is also exerting their values upon others. The boy has shown that he is capable of thinking for himself and the parents should support & encourage him if they feel that he is right in his stand.
However, as far as the “EC prefect wearing songkok issue” is concerned, I am surprised that no one has yet posted that the issue has been resolved amicably as the headmaster himself has announced today during an emergency prefects meeting that it is NOT compulsory for the prefects to wear the songkok for whatever function or duty.
I am glad that we can put this all behind us now. I just hope that there will be no other teachers or headmasters elsewhere in the nation, who would impose their personal values and cultural practices upon student minorities. After all, we all want to live in a happy and harmonious society despite our cultural differences.
#33 by shamshul anuar on Tuesday, 15 January 2008 - 10:06 pm
Dear Readers.
I refer to many remarks by concerned citizens. Perhaps I can give some insight on “songkok” or “Baju Kurung” or “Sari”. Songkok is just a head gear just like turban or cowboy hat. Nothing more and nothing less.
It is a cultural thing, not a religious requirement. It does not signify that a Malay boy is more pious if he wears a songkok. What I am trying to say is that songkok is not religious driven. But rather a beautiful headgear of the Malays.
The same principle is applied for baju Kurung. It is a beautiful dress , originated from Malay community, just like sari for Indian ladies. Islam allows cultural variety so long the basic requirement is followed. It means a person can wear a flowing robe like an Arab, or a 3 piece suit like a European or Baju Melayu like a Malay provided the minimum decency is maintained. I remember how my American university mates complimented several Malay ladies wearing Baju Kurung to university. Such a beautiful dress, they said.
As for Sari, the main reason why Malay ladies do not wear is due to the fact that it exposes part of body( around stomach area).
I remember the uproar several years ago when A university insisted on songkok during convocation. Many saw as forcing Malay values on non Malay students. Actually it is not. Each university is unique. The main reason for songkok during that convocation is that the university emblem on that songkok.
Nevertheless, overzealousness is bad. In school, I see no reason why songkok to be insisted even on Malays. And I also see no reason why a 5 year old girl needs to wear tudung. A child is a child , therefore active. Let her play. Let her choose to wear tudung on her own.
Several years ago, A Malay lady sued Federal Govt for not allowing her to wear purdah and all black to the office. She lost the case. Personally, I will feel depress if wearing all black and to cover everything except my eyes. Why burden yourself. Even Islam does not insist on it. What is wrong by wearing colourful dress.
As goes the saying, a swallow does not make a summer. Similarly, should anybody not happy with some requirements, then he should try to go through PIBG, headmaster, or even Member of Parliament. Sometimes, the Govt never sanctions it but overzealous low level officers implement what they feel is right.
#34 by DarkHorse on Wednesday, 16 January 2008 - 8:50 am
“Several years ago, A Malay lady sued Federal Govt for not allowing her to wear purdah and all black to the office. She lost the case.”
I remember this case. She was represented by none other than Karpal Singh. She lost her case because the court held that it had nothing to do with her religion but with the need to identify herself to others when working. How would others or members of the public she is serving know who she is if all they could see are her two eyes!
A common sense judgment.
#35 by DarkHorse on Wednesday, 16 January 2008 - 9:04 am
“I remember the uproar several years ago when A university insisted on songkok during convocation. Many saw as forcing Malay values on non Malay students. Actually it is not.” shamshul anuar
Why depart from the international practice of wearing black mortar boards with tassel? Why put on a gown at all? Let’s all come for the convocation dressed in traditional attire?!
It is accepted international practice. Why interfere with it??
#36 by dranony on Wednesday, 16 January 2008 - 4:27 pm
shamshul anuar,
if there are no religious connotations to the songkok, can you please explain why the songkok is worn on Fridays and not other days?
if there are no religious connotations, why is the songkok worn by the rakyat Melayu during AidilAdha and AidilFitri, and NOT on Hari Merdeka nor on Hari Keputeraan Agung and Hari Keputeraan Sultan?
you have also not addressed the questions mentioned in the initial letter by JB EC Parent – will you also be confused and assume that a person wearing a songkok is a Muslim?
Will a person wearing a songkok during ramadhan, and eating in a mamak restaurant, be confused with a muslim flouting islamic fasting laws?
Will Muslims be confused if men wearing songkok are seen patronising pubs, nightclubs, empatekor shops, casinos and temples?
Will Muslims be upset if men wearing songkok are seen pictured guzzling beer, or pictured with roast piglets, or pictured with scantily-clad women?
Will Muslims feel that the use of songkok in the above fashions, demean the integrity of the songkok tradition?
Badawi has said that prohibition of the use of the word “Allah” is to prevent confusion amongst Muslims.
Similarly, do you not think that the NON-compulsory use of the songkok, would actually preserve the respect and integrity of the songkok tradition?
If non-muslims care enough that the muslims respect the songkok, and understand that muslim men would NOT be seen wearing the songkok when doing unislamic things, do you not think that non-muslims would similarly also appreciate that?
(Yes, some muslims also drink beer and buy 4D and visit nightclubs and commit khalwat, but they would probably NOT be wearing songkoks while doing so.)
IF some Mufti NOW issues a fatwa that “songkok has nothing to do with islam,” and then a bunch of non-muslims go around town purposely to test public reactions, by wearing the songkok while posing for photographs drinking beer and buying 4D, and posing with scantilyclad women, or posing with roast piglets, or smooch inside cars in the dark with their girlfriends, and then have these photos posted on a blog somewhere, would Malay sensitivities about the songkok be inflamed?
Would you, shamsul anwar, THEN decide that the songkok would in fact, have its respect as a muslim emblem demeaned?
I do agree with shamsul that if one is unhappy over overzealous actions by “little napoleons,” that one should go to a Member of Parliament.
It would seem to me then, that LimKitSiang is doing a fantastic job right here!
He got the problem solved for JB EC Parent!
#37 by shamshul anuar on Wednesday, 16 January 2008 - 11:32 pm
Dear Dranony.
Many thanks for your responses and question. As I mentioned earlier, songkok to Malays is what Cowboy Hat to Americans in some states like Texas, New Mexico.
It is a headgear. Nothing more and nothing less. As for wearing Songkok during Friday prayers and also other praying sessions, the reason is more of practicality. From Muslims viewpoint, A praying is considered “not valid” should lock of hairs fall on your forehead as you touch your forehead on the ground( during praying). Hence, the need for hat or songkok or turban during praying session.
Besides, songkok is also worn by Malays in the presence of Rulers. A more traditional “tengkolok” is only worn by Malays on their wedding days. Malay Rulers wear “tengkolok” during official ceremony like Coronation of Yang DiPertuan Agung, or opening of State Legislative assembly. Just like Queen Elizabeth 11 with her numerous hats.
As far as I know, nobody in Malaysia is required to wear songkok in restaurant, shopping mall, pub, hotel, etc. And Muftis need not to offer a fatwa on songkok as it is only a hat. That is all. It has no religious conotation. It does not make you religious or more Malay by wearing a songkok.
This is what Islam teaches us. That mere mortals should not jugde people simply bytheir dressing. What is more important is his deeds. That does not mean that dress code is not important. Rather , do not be fooled by appearances.
The problem can be traced to overzealousness by some petty minded low level officials. Unfortunately, on the other end of spectrum, some people are quick to condemn it as creeping Islamisation. Both sides need to maintain sanity.
#38 by dranony on Thursday, 17 January 2008 - 8:53 am
shamsul,
You have still NOT explained why almost all malay men wear songkok during AidilAdha and AidilFitri but not during Hari Merdeka and Hari Keputeraan Agung and Hari Keputeraan Sultan. Sebol had tried to persuade me, unsuccessfully, that the songkok is a sign of respect to the royalties – but this would be contrary to what is observed, if songkok is NOT worn by the malay masses during the celebrations of birthday of royalties.
Now, even if you reason that “the songkok is just a hat to cover hair during friday prayers” without any connotation to religion, there is still the connotation or association with Malay culture.
If we go by your line of reasoning, then the “chinese hat” (http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1985_103967541) is also “not religious.” How would you feel if someone tries to enforce you to use THAT instead, during your friday prayers?
“No religious connotation wot…”
Please, DO remember the principle of mutual respect, and respectful reciprocity:
“You should only ask others to accept, what you would also accept if others ask of you in return.”
It is undeniable that there is an extremely strong association of the songkok with malay culture (just as the cheongsam has, to chinese culture).
Sure, the songkok is not mentioned in the Quran, BUT does not the Malaysian Constitution define Malay as a Muslim?
Since a Malay is a Muslim, hence wearing a Malay emblem, would be seen by non-Malays as wearing an emblem that is associated with Islam.
Next time you observe people wearing songkok (by choice), tell me what percentage are malay. The percentage would be close to 100%.
I notice that you have also TOTALLY AVOIDED my points about
“non-Muslims caring enough about the songkok tradition, by not demeaning the songkok by wearing it while doing unIslamic practices”
(since they have also noticed that muslims who flout islamic practices would not be seen doing so while wearing songkoks.)
Does your lack of reply mean that you are unable to disagree with my point that a non-Malay wearing the songkok while doing unIslamic things, would DEMEAN the songkok?
If you pause for a moment to consider the implications, you’d probably see that it would be better if the non-Malays actually stay away from Malay attire, esp if the non-Muslims cannot be expected to refrain from unIslamic practices.
The chinese have NO PROBLEM wearing Batek into Genting Highlands Casino.
Would you be irked if the chinese now wear the full baju melayu, complete with samping and songkok, into the casino?
Even if YOU personally do not view it as an affront to the Malay-Muslim identity, would you agree that some of those more “hot-headed” or violent ones in the Malay-Muslim community (yes, those Keris-waving ones), might take it as an affront or provocation to their identity?
Imagine a scenario where some provocative chaps from the NON-Malay community, take it upon themselves to challenge your views (that songkok or even baju melayu has no islamic connotation), by actually dressing in full baju melayu, songkok samping and all, and publicly display unIslamic practices while in such attire!
Can you imagine the uproar then – the present unhappiness by non-Malays over the songkok issue, would be NOTHING compared to the uproar by the Malay-Mulsim community over these displays.
Face it, to have non-Malays respect the songkok, it would be better to NOT force it unto non-Malays non-Muslims, so that their respect for it as a Malay emblem, and hence as an Islamic identity, is maintained.
#39 by shamshul anuar on Thursday, 17 January 2008 - 10:44 pm
Dear Dranony.
Please reread my comment. Songkok is a hat that is associated with Malays. That is all. It is worn during Friday prayers or religious gathering as it is practical. It prevents lock of hair falling onto your forehead while Muslim bends down during praying.
If you care to observeofficial functions such as giving credential to Malaysian ambasaddors to foreign countries, you will notice that a proper attire of Muslim ambassadors ussually come with songkok.
Only songkok is associated with Malays . I am sure you are aware that in other cultures, wearing of hat is expected like when attending annual tea party hosted by Queen Elizabeth 11.
Confusion starts when ignorant people associates it with religion. It has nothing to do with religion. And some people went overboard by asking what will happen if A Chinese drinks liquour or eating pork while wearing a songkok.
Rest assured, It will not happen as even Malays do not wear songkok during office time or lunch. So, the question is irrelevant.
#40 by dranony on Thursday, 17 January 2008 - 11:25 pm
shamsul,
You are running away from so many of my questions.
go and read them again, and answer them.
The reference to Malaysian ambassadors to foreign countries being required to wear songkok is not an issue at all, since it may be required of them as protocol. Protocol may require them to wear a sash as well, but certainly not something they’d wear on a daily basis (read the original letter from JB EC Parent).
Again you have refused to acknowledge that Malay is Muslim, even when the Malaysian Constitution has defined it clearly.
Therefore a Malay, hence Muslim, attire being forced upon non-Malays, non-Muslims, is simply hegemonic cultural imposition.
Whether songkok is Islamic or not, by YOUR personal interpretation, is of no consequence to the many keris-wielding chaps who may not see your interpretation as being correct.
My questions are not irrelevant simply because you declare it to be so.
Even the word “Allah” had been deemed not for use by non-Muslims simply because it may cause confusion.
You may say songkok or samping or baju melayu or tengkolok has no Islamic connotations, but that is simply refusal to admit what is perceived by the common folk ie that Malay IS Muslim.
Don’t pull wool, or songkok, over people’s eyes.
In any event, EVEN IF, as you claim, that Malay does not equal Muslim, then enforcing the songkok upon nonMalays, STILL constitutes hegemonic cultural imposition, which reeks of the “ketuanan” mindset.
Would all Malays accept if you are forced to wear a chinese cap?
No, I’m not talking about just yourself personally or about the times you had actually donned one as a gag or for ‘just for fun.’
I’m asking if you think that ALL Malays would accept being forced to wear an emblem or attire of another culture which does not reflect your true culture or identity.
As many others have mentioned, so long as these emblems are not forced upon others, acceptance and respect for these emblems may be easier, given sufficient time.
That is the whole crux of the matter – compulsion.
#41 by shamshul anuar on Saturday, 19 January 2008 - 10:11 pm
Dear Dranony.
With due respect to you, please reread my comment. In no way I express tolerance on forcing songkok on students, be they Malay or not.
I just try to correct the misconception. Songkok is a hat, just like Turban for some communities in Asia or Cowboy hat so commonly associated with many men in rural Texas or New Mexico. It is as simple as that.
Am I am not running away or evading any answers to your questions. I just plainly explain the significance of songkok to the Malays. And there is no need to issue a fatwa over a hat. It is just a hat.
As much as I abhor forcing Malay cultures to other races, I also abhor people who are paranoid. I fail to understand the significance of a question on how a Malay react seeing a Chinese eating pork while wearing a songkok. Just what kind of question is this. Since when does the authority insists on Malaysians to wear songkok while in office, pub, hotel, etc. So, that was what I meant as irrelevant.
#42 by dranony on Sunday, 20 January 2008 - 4:03 pm
shamsul,
I am glad that you agree that forcing someone of another culture to don an emblem of your culture, is abhorrent.
But obviously you fail to be sensitive to the cultures of others, and to the preceptions of others.
I had repeated many times, and which you fail to convincingly rebut – that Malay IS Muslim.
Malays wear songkok. Thus songkok is Malay attire. Malays being Muslim, means that in Malaysian context, songkok is worn by Malay-Muslims.
Even non- Malays understand that Malays respect the songkok, and would NOT be seen doing unislamic things while in a songkok. A Muslim drinking beer, a Muslim buying EmpatNomborEkor, a Muslim committing khalwat, a Muslim kissing a girl in public (please DON’T deny that these do NOT happen) – would NOT be seen wearing a songkok while doing so. Even they know how to preserve respect for the songkok.
FYI, all of the above actions are NOT wrong in the eyes of non-Muslims.
Therefore, to preserve the respect for the songkok, non-Muslims know too that they should not do these things if they _choose_ to don the songkok.
Forcing them to don the songkok, may well change things.
#43 by dranony on Sunday, 20 January 2008 - 4:09 pm
sorry it should be “Please DON’T deny that these DO happen.”