SHAH ALAM - The remand of a female religious teacher in connection with the death of a Form One student in Tanjong Mas has reignited discussion on court appearance procedures and detainee attire.
As in other cases involving enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the attire of individuals detained for investigation should be given due consideration in line with Sharia requirements.
While the wearing of lock-up attire is standard operating procedure (SOP), there should also be an element of humanitarian consideration. This is not because the suspect is a religious teacher, but due to the obligation for Muslim women to observe modest dress.
In several other remand cases, accused persons have been allowed to wear more modest clothing, raising questions about consistency and fairness in detention procedures.
The government should standardise all SOPs related to the detention of women, whether during arrest, in lock-ups, or in prisons, to ensure uniformity across all institutions that restrict their freedom.
In line with views expressed by the World Alliance of Muslim Women for Family Institution and Quality Education (WAFIQ), such standardisation should be considered to ensure that the aurat of Muslim women continues to be properly safeguarded.
The organisation also urged the government to review guidelines on lock-up attire for Muslim female detainees and to provide clothing that properly fulfils the requirement of covering the aurat.
There is also a need to strengthen awareness among enforcement officers, particularly in understanding religious requirements and upholding women’s dignity.
As a country where Islam is the religion of the Federation, the right to protect aurat should be upheld as a religious obligation, not treated as an option.
In any situation, a detainee’s status does not negate this right, and Muslim women in custody should not be placed in circumstances that result in the exposure of aurat.
This issue goes beyond any single case - it touches on a broader principle of preserving the dignity and rights of Muslim women in all circumstances.
As such, clearer and more consistent guidelines are necessary to address the matter.