HAIR SALON RULING NOT FOR NON-MUSLIMS: HADI

Hair salon ruling not for non-Muslims: Hadi

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 27, 2012): The Kelantan government does not intend to enforce any provision relating to the Islamic morality by-laws on non-Muslims.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said in a statement today this is clear in the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Enactment (II) 1993 that it is not applicable to non-Muslims.

Following reports that a Chinese female hairdresser in the state had been sued for cutting the hair of non-Muslim men, Abdul Hadi explained that state government has to fulfil its duties.

"Kelantan has to carry out its responsibilities after being entrusted with the mandate from the people to ensure that the moral integrity of Muslims is safeguarded," he said.

His statement was read out by PAS deputy president Salahuddin Ayub at the parliament lobby.

Abdul Hadi also said the party central committee has been informed that the state government is ready to discuss and find the best way to resolve the issue based on the concept of freedom of religion.

He was referring to the case of salon manager Ong Lee Ting, who claimed that she was issued with 11 summonses by the Kota Baru Municipal Council since 2010 because her non-Muslim women workers had cut the hair of non-Muslim men.

The compound fines for were between RM200 and RM350 each.

However, state Housing, Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly said the policy was implemented to protect women's honour, regardless whether they are Muslims or not.

He was quoted as saying the move is to prevent women from being exposed to sexual harassment and prostitution as hair salons are used as a front for other illegal or immoral activities.

Cindi Loo