COMMENT: Should the “hijab” be such a complex issue?

Over a decade since Muslim girls were suspended for wearing their hijabs (headscarves) to school, Singapore has yet to definitely and conclusively wrap up the hijab issue.

Despite the many voices that called for dialogue then, the issue was laid to rest until a recent forum when a polytechnic lecturer asked why nurses were not allowed to wear the traditional Muslim headscarf at work revived the debate.

The collective voice from the Muslim community now seems to be stronger. A decade is a long time for dissatisfaction to boil over.

Beneath some of the hurtful words and comments around the issue lies a deep sense of frustration with the status quo.

While the recent campaign to legalise wearing the hijab in any job -- including nurses and uniformed personnel -- has been specific and forthcoming, the government's message of "tolerance" and continuous dialogue has been vague at most.

Such remarks are unhealthy for an electorate that just wants the haze to clear on an issue that seems fairly simple: grant a section of Singapore the choice to exercise their religious choice.

So why is the government not giving a conclusive answer and is being seen by detractors as running around in circles?

Civil discourse goes beyond discussion

The answer lies in the way the establishment wants to handle what it terms as "continuous dialogue" and what the public expects of it.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim's recent move to involve organisations outside of government control such as Islamic education group PERGAS as well as the Association of Muslim Professionals is welcome. The Government has increasingly shown its willingness to engage with key stakeholders.

Unfortunately, this view does not gel with some members of the Muslim community, who argue that the Government has not addressed specific queries such as how hijabs can affect nurses' hygiene, why Sikhs are allowed to don the turban in the military and why Christians and Buddhists are allowed to wear crucifixes and amulets.

Netizens worry that not making a conclusive stance on the hijab issue will invite discrimination circa the four schoolgirls in 2002.

It may seem that the Muslim community is making a big fuss over the issue. But a closer look will reveal a frustrated community whose grouses have simply not been addressed. Worse, the powers that be have created even more confusion by their refusal to make a clear stance.

The fact remains that the hijab still continues to be allowed in most careers. Inclusivity is what the government stands for, thus inclusivity is what Muslims are campaigning for: a law to allow Muslim women to carry out their religious obligations.
A symbolic move in a bigger picture

The move is more symbolic than anything else: if the Government makes it official, it sends a strong message that Singapore has grown up as it reaches its adolescent years -- that the country trusts its citizens to conduct themselves as their beliefs deem fit and respect each other's ways.

Giving the thumbs-up towards that mutual respect may be seen as a top-down move, but it will be a signpost that we have progressed as a society.

MP Indranee Rajah's recent statement on how opposition parties are making the "difficult" hijab issue a "simple" one fails to recognise how the opposition is actually on the money. The issue is as clear-cut as can be: offer citizens their rights which are embraced by society, or continue to abet vagueness and "tolerance", which could be the precursor to prejudice bubbling under the surface.

I recognise we need to look at the bigger picture, considering Singapore's geographical position right smack in the centre of the Malay Archipelago.

But it is an issue that may seem tricky but is in actual fact, clear-cut.

To wear or not to wear: that is the only question.