Wan Azizah Shook Hands With Modi But Not Xi Jinping Why Inconsistency Over Diplomatic Protocols

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Letter To Editor
WHAT does a handshake signify?
Plenty if you happen to be a dignitary or on official government business.
As highlighted recently, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Ismail has been in the spotlight for NOT shaking the hand of Chinese president Xi Jinping during the China-hosted Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) gala dinner at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Centre on Aug 31.

This storm in a teacup has somehow been blown out of proportion – not just by foreign media oblivious to cultural/religious sensitivities – but also by local antagonists pursuing specific agendas.
An example of the latter is Facebooker Ahmad Azhar who chided Wan Azizah for her inconsistencies as she was previously photographed shaking the hand of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It must be noted that when the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met Modi in 2018, it was in her capacity as deputy prime minister (DPM). Her recent trip to China was as PMX’s spouse.
In fact, apart from Modi, Wan Azizah had also during her DPM tenure, shook hands with other men as evident from this Facebook post.

Rather more pertinently, as pointed out on the FB post, why the inconsistency? Some commenters had pointed out that the Bandar Tun Razak MP was wearing gloves when she met with Modi.

If the solution was so simple, the question that is begging to be asked is why didn’t the 72-year-old former medical doctor trained at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland simply pack a pair of gloves for the China trip?
Just wear gloves!
Although her actions are in no way disrespectful to Xi, a pair of gloves could very well have avoided all the unnecessary social media posts and foreign media reports on the matter. It would also have avoided Xi looking befuddled and confused.
Interestingly, even if it was due to religious sensitivity, one commenter wondered if Türkiye is ‘more secular’ than Malaysia for the wife of its president Emine Erdoğan had no qualms to shake hands with President Xi.

It has also been previously debated what is the correct protocol here and if the same is supposed to apply to Muslim men, ie they are not supposed to shake the hand of a woman who is not kin. In this instance, recount that PMX shook the hands of China’s first lady Peng Liyuan.
On the one hand, the modernist and moderate faction will argue that it is fine given these individuals are in the international spotlight when attending events and summits, hence they will need to do the necessary to avoid awkward scenarios.
On the other, the conservative faction will contend that such practices need to be followed correctly and consistently, not on an ad hoc basis to suit certain individuals or circumstances.
If indeed a simple solution is available, why isn’t it implemented as SOP (standard operating procedure) for all Muslim politicians who are greeting dignitaries of the opposite gender?

Lest it be misunderstood, this letter is NOT questioning Wan Azizah’s right to refuse the handshake. It is rather why simple and obvious solutions such as wearing of gloves not implemented, especially at such a high-profile event.
If one needs to observe religious customs, then ensure that it is properly communicated to other relevant parties to avoid any awkwardness and unwanted headlines.
Truth of the matter, perception matters at such high-profile diplomatic events. Those entrusted with facilitating the smooth conduct at these events need to do better. 
Glove Manufacturer
Johor Baru
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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