The recent controversy surrounding Terengganu divers Uzlifatil Jannah Ashraf and Ilyssa Ixora Imran (main image) is a continuing battle faced by women athletes in Malaysia who have, over the years, been subjected to criticism for donning attire deemed not ‘Syariah-compliant’.
In 2015, there was much hue and cry after unsavoury online comments were made against gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi’s attire at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.
Farah Ann, who won two gold medals, was subjected to hateful comments, which even saw the then minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, stating that the government would conduct an in-depth study on Islamic compliance for athletes’ clothing.
The then-youth and sports minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, fired back at his Cabinet colleague, writing on Twitter (now X): “Should also have guidelines for ‘gatal’ men to lower their gaze when they can’t contain themselves watching sports.”
Farah Ann kept her cool and wrote on Twitter: “Empty cans make the most noise.”
Not only did she shrug off the controversy, she also went on to win five more gold medals at the 2017 and 2019 SEA Games, and qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – following in the footsteps of fellow gymnasts Au Li Yen (Sydney, 2000) and Ng Shu Wai (Athens, 2004).
Unfortunately, she still had to endure hateful comments about her attire until her retirement in 2022.
In 2023, national diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri faced criticism for her official swimsuit attire after competing at the Asian Games.
Although she faced similar criticism earlier in her career, the latest barrage was taken to the extreme as she was “newly married”.
Her husband, Mohammad Aizat Ahmad Nazri, admitted she was uncomfortable being “stared at” but would continue wearing her swimming attire to compete until the introduction of new attire for female athletes.
Following the Paris Olympics, Mohammad Aizat said he would initiate legal action against an individual for allegedly editing and uploading lewd images of Nur Dhabitah.
In 2018, the state of Terengganu, ruled by the Islamic party Pas, announced that it would mandate its athletes to wear Syariah-compliant clothing at home, and outstation events, beginning in 2019. The state subsequently banned females from competing in gymnastics.
It also introduced in 2020 the Entertainment, Cultural Performance, Tourism and Sports guidelines, which among others, included guidelines on what Muslim, and non-Muslim athletes should, and should not wear. Muslim athletes were to dress modestly, in accordance with Syariah codes, while non-Muslims should not wear outfits that were tight, short, or revealing.
What’s the current controversy?
Terengganu Youth and Sports executive councillor Hishamuddin Abdul Karim questioned how Uzlifatil Jannah and Ilyssa Ixora could compete at the just-concluded Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuching, Sarawak, as they didn’t get approval from the state executive council, which had made it clear that “the necessary (diving) attire did not meet the state’s dress code for Muslim athletes”.
Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association president, Datuk Toh Chin Yaw, apologised, saying the association had believed that the national and international swimming body dress code was acceptable.
He said the association sent Uzlifatil Jannah and Ilyssa Ixora on its own initiative, covering the costs with support from the athletes’ families.
What do former athletes say?
Olympian Noraseela Khalid said the controversy was not confined to Terengganu.
Noraseela, who competed in the 400m hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics, said she knew of cases where those in authority tried to dictate what an athlete should wear.
“This issue is not limited to Terengganu but is also in many other states, especially in schools where teachers dictate what athletes must wear,” said Noraseela.
“Our aim should be to teach and educate, not to restrict or discourage people from participating in sports.”
Noraseela, President of the Malaysia Olympian Association (MOA), however, added she understood the concerns raised by Hishamuddin.
Safe Sport Malaysia president Sarina Sundara Rajah said sports is supposed to encourage young girls and women to explore their potential without fear of judgment or restriction.
“But in Malaysia, the focus shifts to debates about appropriate attire for female athletes, undermining the broader impact of sports on lives and communities,” said the 1998 Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnastics team gold medallist.
“Our policies and attitudes should reflect inclusivity, respect, and equity. We must support and encourage all young athletes, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
“This is especially so if we are to achieve the ‘Road to Gold’ initiative at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
Malaysia’s Road to Gold programme aims to secure the nation’s first Olympic gold medal. Malaysia only won two bronze medals at the Paris Games.
Former Asian squash champion Sharon Wee, who was on duty with a private sports station during Sukma, said the controversy brought to light the complexities of sports regulations and state laws.
“Divers are subjected to international regulations, and certain things cannot be changed,” said Wee.
“However, Terengganu has a requirement that athletes must wear Syariah-compliant clothing.”
She added that athletes had to follow their state’s decision or “make difficult decisions about their participation”.
“The athletes and family members must discuss the best option for their progression if they feel they have the potential to represent the country.
“Some may consider moving to another state to train and continue to compete in the sports they are passionate about,” said Wee.
What’s next for the divers?
On Tuesday, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the duo would receive financial rewards for winning medals in Sukma.
Uzlifatil Jannah and Ilyssa Ixora won bronze in the 10m synchronised platform event, while Uzlifatil Jannah also finished third in the 1m springboard.
Yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that the duo could continue their daily training under the supervision of the federal government.
She also said national Malaysian Swimming technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas had identified them as potential trainees for the back-up squad.
Yeoh, however, said her ministry was concerned about Terengganu’s directive, as it had a negative impact on the country’s sporting development.
The future of attire
Football’s ruling body, FIFA, has allowed footballers to wear the hijab since 2014. Last year, Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina became the first person to use the attire at a FIFA World Cup.
Basketball also allowed Muslim players to use the hijab in 2017, while the World Karate Federation approved it in 2013.
England’s Amateur Swimming Association amended its rules in 2017 over full-body swimwear to allow “more people to participate in events across England”.
In time, more sports are likely to allow more Muslim-friendly attire.
For Malaysia, however, it is about striking a balance. While having policies that reflect cultural and religious sensitivities is within the jurisdiction of religious and state authorities, there is also a need to support athletes’ rights to wear what they deem appropriate, comfortable, and would not hinder or affect their performance.
