Four Singaporean schoolgirls seeking legal representation by Malaysian lawyer Karpal Singh had their hopes dashed when he was denied a work permit in order to appear in the republic's courts.

The four girls, aged between six and 14, were suspended from their schools last February for wearing the tudung (head scarf), which is forbidden under the republic's Education Ministry dress code.

In a press statement today, Karpal said his application for an employment pass was rejected by Singapore's Manpower Ministry in a letter dated Sept 9.

However, the letter which was issued to the girls' Singaporean lawyer Sadari Musari did not state any reason for the rejection.

"As a result of this development, I will not be able to represent these unfortunate girls in their legitimate quest to strike down the ban on their constitutional right to use the tudung in school," said Karpal.

The lawyer who was called to the Bar in Singapore, is nevertheless disallowed from practising in the republic without a work permit as he is not attached to a local legal firm.

Review tudung ban

When contacted later, Karpal said it is unlikely that he will be able to appeal against the ministry's decision. "It is something we have to accept," he added.

However, he said it is not too late for the Singapore government to review its decision and allow the use of the tudung in schools.

Karpal also urged Singaporean lawyers to take up the case "in the interest of justice" and to "act without fear or favour".

"I call upon lawyers to stand up for the constitutional rights of the schoolgirls and volunteer their services to represent them in court," he said.

Next step

Meanwhile, Sadari said he will meet his clients tomorrow to decide on their next step.

"At the moment, I can only confirm that the application for Karpal's work permit has been rejected.

"We can appeal but it is unlikely the decision will be changed as this is an administrative matter," he said during a telephone interview.

Three of the girls are currently being educated at home while the other six-year old Nurul Nasiha had been admitted to study at the King Khalid Islamic College in Australia in July.