Exco man ‘shocked’ by Muslim divers representing Terengganu at Sukma

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu youth and sports executive councillor Hishamuddin Abdul Karim says he is shocked by reports that two Muslim girls had represented the state in diving in the recent Malaysian Games (Sukma).

Hishamuddin said the Terengganu sports council’s stand is that no female Muslims can represent the state in diving given that the necessary attire does not meet the state’s dress code for Muslim athletes.

The PAS man maintained that he was not aware that the two divers had taken part in Sukma and represented the state, adding that the Terengganu Amateur Swimming Association had footed the costs.

“The association paid me a visit on June 5 asking for clearance (to send the divers for Sukma on Terengganu’s quota). At the time, I stressed that the state government will not allow it since it breaches our guidelines, even if the athlete is a Muslim but is not originally from Terengganu.

“At the same time, I said the state government will consider allowing non-Muslim athletes to participate.

“But I was very shocked and heartbroken by reports of the participation (of two Muslim divers representing Terengganu) on the day of the event itself,” he said in a Facebook post.

Hishamuddin said he has asked the Terengganu sports council to prepare a detailed report on what transpired and will summon the association to explain when they return from Sukma.

Further action will be taken after hearing the association, he said.

In 2018, Terengganu made it a requirement for state athletes to wear shariah-compliant clothing, both at home and while taking part in outstation events.

Four years later, it banned women from taking part in gymnastic events because of non-shariah-compliant outfits, forcing several Muslim female gymnasts from the state to retire from the sport altogether.