DAP lawmaker Hannah Yeoh, who recently drew criticism from her own party men for donning a headscarf during a mosque visit, said she will continue to wear the attire where it was required. 

“The act of covering our heads in the presence of those we revere is done out of respect. It is also an act of modesty. 

“As an elected representative in multiracial constituencies like Segambut and Subang Jaya, I have always practised this respectfully when I visited my constituents.

“I will continue to do so in the face of a handful of extreme voices in this land,” the Segambut MP said in a statement today, which she posted on her Facebook page.

The statement was accompanied with pictures of her visits to places of worship, including the gurdwara, where covering the head is required. 

Senior Johor DAP leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau was reported to have hit out at Yeoh for her actions. 

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng came to Yeoh’s defence, saying Boo should not be obsessed over what attire is worn by female party leaders when visiting mosques or religious places of worship. 

Yeoh said wearing a headscarf in a mosque has not changed her race or religion. 

Citing Bible verses, she said it has only further strengthened her faith in upholding one of two greatest commandments in the Bible. 

Yeoh also called on for a moderate Malaysia, saying it is a country for all and that it has to respect everyone. 

“Respect those around you and show kindness to your neighbours. Selfishness is a recipe for disaster.  

“Let the voices of moderate Malaysians resound loudest in our workplace, our neighbourhoods, our family gatherings, our places of worship and our social media,” she said.

This is not the first time Yeoh has been criticised for wearing a headscarf at a mosque.  

She was on the receiving end in 2015, when she was labelled as “enemy” to her own race. – December 5, 2021.