Dayangku Intan, a popular artist from the 1980s and a supporter of PAS, criticized Pang Sock Tao, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election on May 11, 2024. Intan, whose real name is Tengku Intan Tengku Abdul Hamid, criticized Pang Sock Tao for wearing a 'baju kurung' and 'tudung' during a Yasin recital ceremony at the home of the late Othman Said, a local figure in KKB. Intan alleged that this gesture was an attempt to garner Malay votes in the by-election and also criticized DAP for what she perceived as hypocrisy towards Islam.
“DAP once issued a statement that if PAS rules Malaysia, the people will be constrained by Islam. The irony today is that DAP is campaigning by wearing a tudung,” she lambasted in a recent TikTok video. “In the past, you claimed that the country would be doomed if one votes for PAS given that women would have to wear loose clothing (dress modestly), cover the aurat and cannot wear shorts but when you campaign, why are you wearing baju kurung or donning the tudung?" she further continued in the video. She also said that DAP doesn’t need to do so because they had “previously cast fears in the rakyat that Islam bars the freedom of non-Muslims.”
Residing in Malaysia, where freedom of speech is safeguarded under Article 10 of the Constitution, I firmly believe that everyone, including Ms. Dayangku Intan, has the right to express their opinions. However, I pose a question to Ms. Dayangku: What about the fact that Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor wore the Tangzhuang (Tang Suit) for Chinese New Year? Earlier this year, Kedah Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor extended well wishes to Malaysian Chinese for the Lunar New Year while dressed in a Tangzhuang during the 'Year of the Dragon'. Can you honestly deny the possibility that this gesture was aimed at winning Chinese votes?
Moreover, PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang also participated in this trend. He extended his well wishes to the Chinese community for the Lunar New Year while adorned in traditional red Chinese attire. Focus Malaysia has since commented that this action was aimed at 'wooing the non-Malays'. This move comes despite Hadi's previous remarks, where he labeled the majority of non-Muslims as the 'roots of corruption' and suggested that they should be grateful for ‘being given a place’ in Malaysia and allow Malays to continue leading the country. Isn't this the epitome of hypocrisy? Why attempt to court the non-Malays, especially the Chinese, after condemning them so harshly?
In light of Pang Sock Tao wearing a tudung during a Yasin recital ceremony, isn't it appropriate to do so? Fortunately, some Muslims would concur with this sentiment, asserting that it's a sign of respect for the deceased and their family to cover one's hair during such ceremonies. Additionally, some Muslims have criticized Dayangku Intan for exploiting religion to garner support for Perikatan Nasional in the KKB by-election. They argue that she could easily pivot and accuse the DAP candidate of disrespecting Islam for not wearing a tudung instead.
In wrapping up, it's crucial that individuals like Dayangku Intan take a moment to reflect before pointing fingers at others. While freedom of speech is fundamental, consistency and sincerity are equally important. Accusations of hypocrisy must be grounded in a thorough examination of one's (and the party she supports) actions and statements.
Aaron Colt is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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