Letter to Editor
I AM a fan of distinguished stand-up comedian Harith Iskandar. I find his sketches entertaining and his social commentary sharp and incisive.
It is the latter category I wish to touch upon as the self-proclaimed “godfather of Malaysia’s stand-up comedy” blasted in a recent Facebook Reel those guardians of morality for taking issue with an outfit worn by actress and singer Bella Astillah (who is now engaged to MUDA lawmaker Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman).
“It’s too tight … It’s inappropriate” they screeched in horror.
Harith quite rightly lambasted these ultra-conservatives by asking them what business is it of theirs? Since it does not harm anyone like in a robbery or a scam, why do they feel the overwhelming urge to comment negatively or worse, cast aspersions on the young lady?
This is not an isolated incident as this demographic take great pride in being the moral guardians of the nation. Other celebrities,too, have been roundly criticised for their choice of attire.
I urge all ordinary, right-thinking Malaysians of a moderate persuasion to stand up against these busybodies hiding behind the guise of religion.
Reject moral policing
Just look at the many recent developments and you will find the fingerprints of this ultra-conservative faction pushing their agenda. Something, somewhere is always at risk of being perceived to be anti-Islam.
Take the pig farming ban in Selangor for instance. It is precisely because porcine is viewed as haram by Muslims that make an open and mature discussion about the matter almost impossible.
Same goes with the recent Rain Rave Water Fest Music Festival 2026 in the heart of touristy Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. A little wet fun and all hell broke loose as the event was seen as sure signs of moral decay.
As rightly pointed out by the star of Kongsi Raya, aren’t these moral crusaders more concerned about endemic corruption, abuse of power and whole host of other more pertinent issues? Cost-of-living crisis anybody?
Most worryingly, one can see how such dogmatic views affect not just lifestyle and fashion choices but have a huge impact on how non-Muslims can gather to worship.
The current hot political potato is the “approved but subject to discussion” guidelines on non-Muslim houses of worship in commercial zones around Selangor.
One can only surmise the sort of views the individual(s) who drafted those guidelines which forbade shop lots from being used as places of prayer. Or not allowing structures such as crucifixes to be higher than any mosque minaret.
One can see a clear pattern emerging. Everything from tight dresses to crucifixes have to conform to standards (or guidelines) being set by the ultra-conservatives.
Do NOT let them have their way. Oppose their myopic views. Challenge them – loudly if need be – as there’s more at stake than an actress’s right to look fabulous and glamourous at a red-carpet event.
As non-Muslims are beginning to find out, their right to consume pork is at risk of being taken away. More worryingly, their right to gather and worship is also slowly being eroded.
This green wave must be stopped if Malaysia is to thrive as a modern, moderate and inclusive nation. – June 12, 2026
Open-Minded Malaysian
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
