August 26th, 2004
Young, Muslim, and French
Headscarf Headlines Around the World: Malaysia

In Malaysia, controversy regarding the role of the government and religion in deciding women’s rights has recently focused on the Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), the country’s hard-line Islamic party. In past elections, the PAS has established majorities in two northeastern states, where it proceeded to enforce strict dress codes, such as a compulsory headscarf law for women in government offices. Leading up to elections in March 2004, the PAS hoped to gain a majority in a third state, where it proposed a dress code that not only required headscarves and loose-fitting clothing for women, but also banned short skirts and tight clothes for non-Muslims, as well. The rules would help curb crimes such as rape and incest, the party argued, reducing the lust inspired in men by the sight of immodest women. The party also put forward several women candidates in an effort to draw more female votes, as women are more than 55 percent of the Malaysian population of 25 million. Their strategy was unsuccessful, however, as they failed to win the third state, as hoped, and lost the majority in one of the states previously held.

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