Tudung a must for women cops at functions

The New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur

From NST22 March 2006

Tudung a must for women cops at functions

With immediate effect, all policewomen will have to wear a headscarf at official functions.The surprise directive was made by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar recently.

The New Straits Times understands that all policewomen taking part in the 199th Police Day celebrations parade on Saturday will wear the headscarf.

Bakri told the NST that the change was introduced for the sake of uniformity. He said that those wished to remove the headscarf after the parade may do so."It is for every woman officer to wear during the parade.

It is not compulsory during other occasions but Muslim personnel are encouraged to wear it at all times.

"If they choose not to wear, it is not a disciplinary offence."This directive has caused some concern among non-Muslim personnel. They say that the wearing of a headscarf carries a different connotation in some cultures and religion.

For example, Sikh women usually wear a head cover when attending prayers and funerals.The directive states that policewomen can only wear headscarves of two colours - blue and off-white.

The off-white scarf is for traffic policewomen.