Putrajaya-Linked Islamic Group Wants 'Hedonistic' Plus-Size Beauty Pageant Cancelled

In a statement earlier today, 19 December, YADIM president Nasruddin Hassan said that the group would like to "express its official protest" over the organisation of the Grand Final Gala Night for Miss/Mrs Plus World Malaysia 2020 on 2 January 2021 at the Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

"The organising of such events basically sends the wrong signal and appears as if the prime minister approves of such programmes when, in fact, we know the prime minister is very serious in stopping all activities that do not contribute to the building of good morals and values," he said.

According to Nasruddin, who is the PAS syura council member, none of the religions, particularly Islam, should allow such events, calling it "exploitative" of women and a form of "hedonistic" culture.

"...the concept of organising such a programme has never been allowed by any religion, especially Islam, because such programmes are more exploitative to women and akin to nourishing of a hedonistic culture by civilisations that have long been extinct," the PAS politician claimed in his statement.

"...now that we are still facing the COVID-19 pandemic, any form of non-essential assembly should be avoided as there is a risk of transmitting the virus despite complying with SOPs set," he said.

Prior to his statement, the government announced that sports and recreational events will be allowed to resume starting next year in areas under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

Meanwhile, the organisers of the event have assured that SOPs and social distancing will be practised.

Nasruddin, however, argued that if people behind the event wants to justify organising it as "promoting economic and social activities", then this reason is not enough because the economic overflow effect from such an event is "too marginal" at the risk of eroding Malaysia's proud social values.

"In this regard, based on the factors presented, YADIM calls for the necessary steps to be taken to ensure that such programs are not implemented. The priority of the majority of the people now is to revitalise the economy for the sake of survival and not to organise useless programs," he said.

"YADIM believes that the majority of the people regardless of religious and racial boundaries do not approve of programs that not only do not benefit the majority of the people but also invite the wrath of Allah," he wrote.

"The Miss Plus World Pageant is dedicated to promoting, elevating, and celebrating the accomplishments and humanitarian services of women," read the text on its Facebook page.

"It is our goal to build a sisterhood of confident and influential women who share their cultures with each other and the world as they promote education, peace, wellness, and worldwide appreciation of diversity."