Hannah Yeoh wearing headscarf doesn’t mean DAP has compromised its principles: Guan Eng

GEORGE TOWN – DAP has not compromised its principles just because Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh sported a headscarf when she entered a mosque in her constituency recently, said Lim Guan Eng.

She was merely respecting the dress code when entering a house of worship, said the outgoing DAP secretary-general.

Lim has instead called on all to put a stop to the debate by becoming aware and better informed of the need to sport respectful attire when entering places of worship like mosques.

In his mind, the Bagan MP said that Yeoh, who is a devout Christian, did not do anything wrong and on the contrary, she deserves praise for doing the right thing by respecting the dress code for women in mosques.

Similarly, Lim pointed out that when one visits the Sikh gurdwara, there is a need to tie an orange bandana around their forehead out of respect.

Also, when entering churches, Lim said most patrons wear appropriate attire out of respect for the religion.

“Hence, I do not know what the fuss is all about. There is a need for the public to be educated about dress codes. We need to wear suitable clothing,” Lim spoke to The Vibes after protesting the government’s move to control the sale of beers at coffee shops.

Lim also pointed out that British monarch Queen Elizabeth II wore a scarf when she visited a mosque. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wore a similar headdress when she entered a mosque to console families of the Christchurch shooting victims two years ago.

Meanwhile Lim said that he could not confirm if the spate of hard-line decisions undertaken by the present government have been inspired by political motives.

But he stressed that such moves only began to unfold with PAS in the central government.

Lim was referring to the ban on 4D gaming outlets in Kedah, which was administered by a PAS-led state government, and now the move to control the sale of beer at coffee shops by compelling each operator to register with a licence fee of RM1,300 annually.

In circulars issued in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor by the Customs Department, it was stated that liquor licences will be enforced in all restaurants and coffee shops.

However, Lim said that Penang’s local government has yet to receive it.

“The licence to sell alcohol in coffee shops at RM1,300 does not make sense, especially when the people are struggling financially.

“Their margin for profit is so small, what are they going to earn? Most of these shops will end up giving up on selling the beer and stout.

“And what about the people in Sarawak, those who live in the longhouses who supply alcoholic beverages? Will these people have to pay to get the licence too?” Lim said, adding that the licence requirement infringes upon the lifestyle of non-Muslims. – The Vibes, December 7, 2021