Controversy Generated By ‘Aurat’ Exposure Of Malaysia Gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi In SEA Games Overshadows Gold Medal Win

A Malaysian word, “aurat,” become household word across Southeast Asia on Tuesday, eclipsing the gold medal haul of gymnast Farah Ann Abdil Hadi in the ongoing SEA Games held in Singapore. Hadi, whose full body photo showed the 21-year-old athlete in a purple gymnast uniform, won for floor exercise in artistic gymnastics.

However, coming from a predominantly Muslim nation known for its strict norms on clothing, some of Hadi’s compatriots criticised her “revealing” outfit which was further highlighted by her legs spread apart. The harshest criticism which used the Malaysia word for genitals or body parts that should be hidden from public view came from one woman named Shinagawa Ann.

Shinagawa Ann wrote, “Even if you do not want to wear the tudung, wear a pair of tights so that your thighs are covered, aurat should be covered and not be exposed to men,” quotes Yahoo Sports. Although critical, she nevertheless congratulated Hadi for winning a gold for Malaysia which finished fourth with a gold medal haul of 62, reports New Straits Times.

The gymnasts contributed five gold medals, while aquatics provided 12, sailing 7, archery 5, bowling 5 and squash 4. Besides the 62 gold medals, Malaysian athletes also brought home 58 silver and 66 bronze medals.

Some Malaysians agreed with Shinagawa Ann’s observation. Sarina Rahman even questioned Hadi’s nationality if she is really a Malaysia, asking, “Don’t tell me she can’t wear leggings?”

But more Malaysians took the gymnast’s side and advised Hadi to ignore her critics and bashers. They congratulated her and chastised the conservative critics whom they labeled as “small-minded”people. Probably, one of the best defense on Hadi’s behalf came from another Malaysia woman, Siti Kassim, who wrote, “As a mother, I would be proud to have a daughter like you! Ignore those retards who can’t see beyond their limited brain capacity!”

Hadi got the gold medal by scoring 13.733 points, beating the competition from Indonesia and Vietnam. It was her second gold, the first was for the team event on Sunday. She also bagged the silver medal on Monday for the individual all-around event and two bronze medals on Tuesday for the vault and uneven bars.

Malaysia will host the next SEA Games in 2017. It is the sixth time that the predominantly Muslim nation would host the regional sports competition.

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