Hannah Calls For A Moderate Malaysia Amid Internal Party Backlash

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DAP’s Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh has stressed the importance of a moderate Malaysia after her wearing a headscarf at a mosque triggered a backlash from some sections within her party.
“We need to stake our claim for a moderate Malaysia. A Malaysia that is home not just for me but for others.
“Respect those around you and apply kindness to your neighbours. Selfishness is the 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,” Yeoh (above) said in a posting on Facebook today.
Former Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau had previously lashed out over Yeoh’s attire in a Whatsapp group comprising DAP leaders and likened it to an attempt to “appease Malays”. 
“Maybe all of our women reps should wear the hijab not only in mosques but all over in public markets, churches, schools and so on.
“Best still, all should convert to Islam. Then we will be ensured to win Putrajaya in the next general election. What say you, smart dudes,” he had said.




Former Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau
DAP has in the last decade seen friction between its progressive and conservative factions.
The progressive faction, endorsed by the top leadership, wants to see a more diverse DAP while the conservative faction, mostly comprised of grassroots leaders, seeks to maintain the status quo.
In today’s posting, Yeoh reiterated that there are places of worship that require people to cover their heads, such as a gurdwara or some churches.
It is an act of respect and modesty, she said, noting that this also applies when attending a funeral.
“As an elected representative for 13 years 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,” she added.
Yeoh, who is Christian, also reiterated that wearing a headscarf does not change her beliefs.
On the contrary, she said, it has further strengthened her faith in upholding one of the ten commandments in the Bible, which is to "love your neighbour as yourself".
As such, Yeoh added that she will continue to wear the headscarf appropriately.

'Great, patriotic Malaysian'
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has also come to the defence of Yeoh, calling her a “great, patriotic Malaysian and an even greater friend”.




Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman
The "ridiculously hardworking" Segambut MP has visited all corners of her constituency and as such, her wearing a headscarf to visit mosques is nothing new, he said.
“In my many, many conversations with Hannah, I have never once felt that she wanted to convert me to Christianity nor have I felt that she is a conformist.
“She is true to herself. Is she a devout Christian? Yes. But does that make her any less of a Malaysian? No,” he said.
Syed Saddiq said both Islam and Christianity call for diversity to be respected and appreciated, and as such, one can still be a "proud Malaysian" regardless of one’s racial or religious background.
All Malaysians’ lives are interconnected with one another, for better or worse, he added.
“Don’t let anyone break the sacred bond of nationhood which celebrates diversity and moderation,” he said. - Mkini

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