KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker has called on the Youth and Sports Ministry to end the showcasing of women in revealing clothing during MotoGP races at the Sepang International Circuit, saying it "contradicts the teachings of Islam."
Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, a Pas MP, said such events go against the teachings and principles of courtesy and morality outlined in the Rukun Negara.
Pas is the biggest opposition party in Malaysia. Its political support base is among rural Muslims.
Fawwaz said that following the recently held MotoGP race in Sepang, there were several areas where "we could make improvements."
"What I want to address is the issue of the tradition of 'parading' women models in revealing clothing throughout the event," he said.
"This contradicts the teachings of Islam and the Fifth Principle of the Rukun Negara, which emphasises courtesy and morality. It is highly inappropriate for a motorsport event, which is traditionally associated with men, to feature such a practice, Fawwaz said during his debate on the 2025 Supply Bill for the Youth and Sports Ministry.
"Many visitors have expressed their complaints about this issue," he said.
Fawwaz said he hoped that the Youth and Sports Ministry will consider his perspective.
He also voiced concerns about the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil being used to host concerts.
"Beyond the potential damage to the turf, has the stadium's original function—as a venue for sports and hockey-related activities—started to deviate?," Fawwaz said.
"Will these concerts interfere with training schedules and competitions at the stadium?."
"Let's not jeopardise the excellent performance of the national hockey team because of issues like this," he said.
Previously, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that the National Hockey Stadium had received 26 bookings for concerts next year.