The Youth and Sports Ministry stated that a compromise and the best outcome will be reached for the female gymnasts from Terengganu. The ministry confirmed that it is scheduled to meet with Terengganu’s Youth, Sports and NGO Development Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim regarding the decision to prevent female gymnasts from participating in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) due to their attire. Furthermore, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh mentioned that a meeting will be held soon, adding that the Terengganu gymnasts were wearing fully covered unitards. She also had a recent discussion with Terengganu Gymnastics Association (TGA) president Abdul Razak Mat Amin about this matter.
“Currently, Terengganu female gymnasts wear full-body ‘unitards’. The rules of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) allow the use of clothing that covers all parts of the body except for the palms and soles of the feet,” explained Minister Hannah Yeoh. She highlighted that the “unitard” outfit has been worn by many gymnasts, including the German women’s gymnastics team at the Tokyo Olympics. Former national gymnast Izzah Amzan has also worn the ‘unitard’ while participating in the Vietnam SEA Games and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, winning medals for the country.
The meeting between Minister Hannah Yeoh and Abdul Razak Mat Amin also covered the steps that the ministry can take to resolve the issue. One of the proposed actions is to engage in further discussions with the Terengganu sports exco to reach an understanding and find the best solution to protect the welfare of female gymnasts in Terengganu. Additionally, they discussed continuing efforts to empower gymnastics in Terengganu, as the sport is still carried out at the level of the District School Sports Council (MSSD), the Terengganu State School Sports Council (MSST), and the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM).
The state government, led by PAS, introduced the Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism and Sports Guideline in March 2020. The guideline made suggestions on what Muslim and non-Muslim athletes and performers should and should not wear. It asked Muslim athletes to dress according to Shariah guidelines, while non-Muslims were advised to avoid tight, short, or revealing outfits.
Instead of participating in gymnastics in the Sukma next year, the state government proposed that the athletes compete in Wushu instead.
