CYBERJAYA: The Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has urged Majlis Perbandaran Kota Baru (MPKB) and PAS to retract the citation issued to a non-muslim woman for dressing inappropriately.
"I have asked Majlis Perbandaran Kota Baru (MPKB) to not misuse their authority and abide by the federal constitution as we are a country of various races and religions.
"This is a non-Muslim shopkeeper in her own premises so it is her right to wear how she wants," he said after a visit to SPNB's Aspire Residence project here today.
As per the federal constitution, according to Nga, Malaysian citizens are free to don whatever attire they choose.
"I urge all city councils to not be so enthusiastic in issuing summons and try to reach a compromise or at least educate them beforehand," he stated.
"I have asked MPKB and also the state government, PAS, to retract the citation if possible as this issue has caused a stir among the non-Muslim community."
Yesterday, a non-Muslim woman in Kota Baru was given a compound by the MPKB citing she was "dressed inappropriately".
MPKB president Rosnazli Amin said the woman had committed an offence under Section 34(2)(b) of the council's Business and Industrial Trade By-Laws 2019.
Yesterday, Bersatu Legal and Constitution Bureau deputy chairman Sasha Lyna Latif said that the MPKB's compound on her was void and unlawful according to Section 102 as it only permitted the council to create by-laws relating to health, safety and well-being, not morality.