Twitter analysis shows that Malaysians want Muslim women athletes to cover up

zainab quadri

June 22, 2015 11:50 AM

Research c shows that twitter users are of the opinion that Muslim women should be well covered for sports.

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The recent controversy that trailed a Malaysian gymnast over her dressing has been resolved as the gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi choice of outfit was supported by Malysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and prominent activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir. However, recent research carried out by Malay Online shows that twitter users are of the opinion that Muslim women should be well covered for sports.

An analysis of recent tweets in Bahasa Malaysia on Farah Ann, the “aurat” and women’s gymnastics, showed that 70 per cent of Twitter users would likely back a change in Muslim women athletes’ attire to more conservative outfits that cover their head and entire body.

In Politweet’s analysis sent to Malay Mail Online, the research firm found that out of a sample of 416 Twitter users, 291 criticised Farah Ann’s leotard, said Muslim women must cover their “aurat”, and gave religious advice on what are considered intimate body parts that should not be exposed in Islam, such as saying that covering the “aurat” should be done for religious reasons, not fashion.

“It is likely that users who were suddenly tweeting about the importance of covering up would support a change of attire for women’s gymnastics,” said Politweet.

“It seems unlikely that they would express support for the current sportswear worn by women athletes. The way they were expressing themselves and quoting online preachers gave the impression that support for this change will grow over time,” added the research firm that analyses social media.

Malaysian Minister in charge of Islamic affairs Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said last Monday that the federal government will carry out an in-depth study on Islamic compliance for clothing used for sports and other fields, following criticisms over the leotard worn by Farah Ann, who won a gold medal in floor exercise in the SEA Games.

Those who criticised the 21-year-old artistics gymnast’s outfit slammed her harassers, but said “Malaysia is an Islamic country and our athletes’ attire should reflect that”. They also highlighted images of women athletes from other countries who wore the tudung and track pants.

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