PETALING JAYA: The importance of covering one’s head in a place of worship is a gesture of respect and modesty, says Hannah Yeoh.

       In addition to mosques, the Segambut MP said, some other places of worship also require women to cover their heads.

       She cited the gurdwara and some churches as well.

       "The act of covering our heads in the presence of those we revere is done out of respect. It is also an act of modesty.

       "This also applies when we attend a funeral.

       "As an elected representative for 13 years in multiracial constituencies like Segambut and Subang Jaya, I have always practised this respectfully when I visited my constituents.

       "I will continue to do so in the face of a handful of extreme voices in this land.

       "We need to stake our claim for a moderate Malaysia. A Malaysia that is home not just for me but for others.

       "Respect those around you and apply kindness to your neighbours. Selfishness is the recipe for disaster.

       "Let the voices of moderate Malaysians resound loudest in our workplaces, our neighbourhoods, our family gatherings, our places of worship and our social media," she said on Facebook on Sunday (Dec 5).

       Yeoh added that wearing a headscarf in a mosque had not changed her race or religion.

       In fact, she said it had only further strengthened her faith.

       "I will continue to wear my selendang appropriately," she said.

       Yeoh was recently criticised for donning a headscarf while visiting a mosque, with former Johor DAP chief Dr Boo Cheng Hau describing it as a "superficial gimmick" that would not bring long-term benefit to the party.