Sisters in Islam (SIS) has officially dropped the word Islam from its name. The move comes after years of contention — and a recent public reminder by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah — who advised that groups not arbitrarily use the word "Islam" in their name if they are not religious institutions or bodies qualified to interpret the religion.
The group will now go by its registered name, SIS Forum (Malaysia). Despite the change in name, its mission remains unchanged. As Executive Director Rozana Idris explained, the organisation is still focused on pursuing justice and gender equality within the framework of Islamic family law. “Even as we drop the word ‘Islam’ from our pen name, we remain steadfast in our commitment,” she affirmed.
This move is significant, not just for SIS, but for Malaysia’s broader civil discourse. It signals an act of deference to religious authority, a willingness to compromise for clarity, and a desire to move past labels toward substantive work. As Rozana put it, “At the end of the day, it is the work we do for Muslim women and for Malaysian citizens that matters the most.”
And yet, this concession has sparked a pointed question.
UMNO Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi has seized the moment to ask what many are now thinking: When will PAS follow suit?
If SIS must drop "Islam" to avoid public confusion, shouldn't Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) — a political party, not a religious institution — be held to the same standard?
As Puad quipped, “Dropping the word ‘Islam’ from the party’s name will not alter its struggle.” His point was clear: religious branding in politics can be just as, if not more, misleading than in civil society organisations. After all, a political party, even one grounded in religious values, is not the same as a religious authority.
The contradiction is glaring. When a women’s rights NGO uses the word Islam, it’s considered confusing, potentially even dangerous. But when a political party uses the same word — in its name, in its campaigns, and in justifying policy — the silence is deafening.
SIS complied. They didn’t kick up a fuss. They dropped the label and doubled down on the work. But will PAS do the same?
Or is this yet another example of a recurring Malaysian paradox — where civil society is expected to bend, while political power gets to stand firm?
That leads us to the deeper question at play:
Why is what is good for the goose not good for the gander?
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