It is quite common in Malaysia for certain policies to be misunderstood, leading to disagreement and animosity.
Such was the situation when the Terengganu government announced its decision to provide segregated seating for female spectators at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Nerus.
According to the authorities, this measure is intended to prevent mingling between men and women during football matches, in a move that is clearly Sharia-compliant.
The knowledgeable and righteous among the state leaders evidently recognise that the free mixing of men and women could have dire consequences.
There is a fear that such unholy mingling could lead to incidents as severe as girls being deflowered out of wedlock at an early age, resulting in teenage pregnancies.
Separating the genders will ensure that boys and girls become ecstatic only when they have attained 10 As in their SPM (year 11) exams and not because of fleeting moments of frantic physical contact.
This preventive measure would also help the state government reduce the financial burden of having to employ additional religious officers tasked with monitoring immoral activities such as “close proximity” (khalwat) indulged in by unmarried amorous couples in remote places or cheap hotels.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a regular pledge or periodic auto-donation to Aliran
- Become an Aliran member
Public money saved in this manner could be put to better use, such as addressing pressing issues of hardcore poverty and unemployment or underemployment. Contrary to popular perception, the state government is aware of its priorities.
In response, a cohort of Malaysians who espouse liberalism, pluralism and human rights were up in arms.
In the indecent haste to condemn the state government’s move, detractors have overlooked other positive aspects that underpin the gender segregation policy, which, in the long run, could help uplift the standards of football and, by extension, other sporting activities as well.
To be sure, segregating male and female spectators will prevent distractions, ensuring that their focus remains on the game.
It’s only when spectators, irrespective of gender, are fully engaged with the football match that the players will be inspired and energised to perform to the best of their ability, earning due respect and applause from the crowd.
In short, the unwavering attention of the spectators towards the football game will signal to the players that they are there to witness a good and highly professional match.
In fact, football played by consummate players will have a spillover effect on certain individuals among the spectators, who will be eager to be selected to play for the state.
At the same time, the bar will be raised for the good of Malaysian football.
Although the female spectators could also be encouraged to play, we foresee that they would only be playing to a female audience, as it is feared that their movements on the field could cause a certain knee-jerk reaction among male spectators.
While it’s true that Muslim men have been instructed to lower their gaze in the company of women, it is, however, difficult to do so when the ball’s movement becomes unpredictable in a football game, where it could reach body parts that are supposedly untouchable.
Now that the ball is in the Terengganu government’s court, we hope it can showcase a resilient and professional football team and morally upright spectators. – The Malaysian Insight
Note: This is a satirical piece
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
