LETTER | What's gotten into you, Dr Boo?

LETTER | Former Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau in a private party leadership WhatsApp group (which has gone public) has criticised Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh’s decision to wear a headscarf during her recent visit to a mosque.

He is reported to have said that “we should not use attire for political mileage”, that “such superficial gimmicks would only gain “temporary political mileage”, and “that over-appeasing any ethnic group will not have much long-term political impact.”

While there is some truth to Boo’s reminder, particularly when there are some in DAP who bask in perpetual gimmickry and indulge in over appeasement, Boo, regretfully, got it absolutely wrong in insinuating that Yeoh wearing a scarf was for political expediency.

In Islam, men and women must cover their respective aurat (areas of modesty), particularly when in a mosque or surau. Similarly, all visitors when visiting a Sikh gurdwara must also cover their heads.

In Islam, the majority view is that the head and hair of a woman are considered as aurat and it must be covered, especially in a house of worship.

Thus, Yeoh wearing the headscarf was merely respecting the sanctity of the place of worship and the congregation. In fact, I commend her.

Double standards

If what Yeoh did is considered a political gimmick, as alleged by Boo, then the DAP leaders and members’ annual visits to Ramadan bazaars (which includes Dr Boo) distributing kurma and bubur lambuk must be the height of political gimmick. Let me not get started about DAP leaders who are willing to participate in the religious rituals of another’s religion.

Boo also claims that he had donated money to Muslim religious schools, all done without “wearing any religious headdress or outfits”. While that is a noble and generous act, why should his own act not be viewed as calculated with a motive to appease the Muslim community and build a positive image of him?

Boo cannot claim the high moral ground that his acts are done “with sincerity” while the acts of others are clothed in political gimmickry. That is simply a poor, untenable argument.

Sadly, Boo’s argument grew even more incoherent when he sarcastically called on DAP’s women representatives to wear the hijab not only in mosques but also in public markets, churches, schools, and that it would be even better if they all converted to Islam. It was not only uncalled for but downright offensive and insulting.

The political chatter is that Boo still wants to make a comeback in the 15th general election. The rumours are that he is hoping to contest in his old Skudai seat while also eyeing Iskandar Puteri in the event that incumbent Lim Kit Siang does not contest the seat or Liew Chin Tong does not make a claim for it.

It is said that there has been quiet rapprochement going on for some time between Liew and Boo, where Liew will contest the Iskandar Puteri parliamentary seat in return for Boo to contest his old Skudai seat, replacing the current poorly performing state assemblyperson.

Liew knows winning Iskandar Puteri will require the votes of Boo’s supporters, but would Boo make wearing the songkok an issue again?

As a former comrade of Boo’s in DAP and a long-time friend, I am still trying to come to terms with his momentary madness. This is definitely not the man I have known.

I pray he does not travel the same extremist road taken by PAS.

NORMAN FERNANDEZ is former Johor DAP deputy chief.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.