Ask 25-year-old Foo Yueh Jiin what was one of the happiest days in her life this year, and chances are she won't be replying, 'My convocation day'.

That's because the International Islamic University law graduate didn't attend her convocation on Aug 30 when she decided to make stand against the university's rule that non-Muslim undergraduates, too, don a head scarf (tudung) like their Muslim counterparts for the ceremony .

Foo thinks the regulation is 'a shame' and should not be imposed on non-Muslim female graduates. "We are not Muslims, wearing the 'tudung' at our convocation would invite ridicule from our family and friends."

"But not attending your own convocation is a indeed a great regret in life," Foo told malaysiakini today.

However, she said her parents supported her decision and although they were sad about not being able to attend their daughter's convocation, they were proud that she stood by principles.

Foo was the only one among the ten non-Muslim female graduates in her batch who protested the regulation. She had applied for an exemption from the campus authorities but was instead told, "The other graduates before you could comply with the regulation, so why not you?"

Undeterred, Foo then sent an e-mail to Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang who raised the matter in Parliament. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr. Maximus Ongkili then replied that IIU's rule "was not religious in nature but a matter of uniforms that must be followed. It does not breach basic human rights".

Respect other faiths

Foo, however, is of a different opinion. "When you are wearing a lawyer's gown, it indicates your identity as a lawyer. So when you are wearing a 'tudung', it implies your identity as a Muslim.

"If a non-Muslim is forced to do this, it violates his or her human rights besides infringing on the Federal constitution," she argued.

Foo also revealed that her female juniors at IIU are facing pressure from the campus authorities compelling them to wear the 'tudung' on campus irrespective of whether they are Muslim or not.

In a related development, Sisters In Islam urged local varsities not to focus on cultural and religious symbols.

"Muslims who form the majority must not impose the 'tudung' on women, even if this takes the form of a university dress code."

"Islam urges its adherents to respect people of other faiths and their practices, and also not to use coercion in matters of religion. This is an important point to bear in mind in our multi-ethnic and multi-religious society," said the organisation in a statement.

MCA Youth Chef Liow Tiong Lai and DAP's Member of Parliament for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan both expressed their support for Foo's stand and urged IIU to re-think the controversial regulation.

"Even it is the university's uniform, students should protest it if they feel their rights are being violated," said Liow when contacted. He said the party's youth wing would follow-up on the issue.

University insensitive

Fong, who was graduated from IIU in 1997 told malaysiakini that she, too, was forced to wear a 'tudung' at her convocation.

"When I raised the issue in Parliament in 2003, I was told by the government that the university only encouraged non-Muslim undergraduates to wear the tudung, it was not compulsory."

"I am very sad that the problem still going on. This shows that the university is insensitive to other cultures and religions," said Fong (photo), adding the university should do away with the rule to give Islam a good image.

Fong warned that if the government did not take appropriate action, other universities may come out with more laws and regulations that are insensitive to other cultures and religions.