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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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??

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is the debate of a great intellect. We no one else. They say? who say?