Sterling performance: Farah Ann competing during the women’s floor exercise routine final at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore. -AFP
PETALING JAYA: It was an occasion worthy of celebration as we clinched another gold in the SEA Games.
However, instead of revelling in gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi’s medal, some saw fit to criticise her over her outfit.
Clad in a leotard, which is standard competitive gear, Farah Ann, 21, wowed the judges, though some detractors chose to question her morality and religious commitment on Facebook.
Zulhairie Zulkifli said, “Rosak akidah budak ini (this child’s faith is gone),” while Amir Muhd said, “Just strip, let everyone see.”
Ismail Harun Bakeri said the parents would have to pay for Farah Ann’s sin.
“Keep it up, national athelete. Wear la sexy some more,” he said sarcastically.
Thankfully, many more rose to her defence.
Hafidz Baharom said: “Don’t worry so much about the idiots. You did us all proud,” while Farhan Angullia told the detractors “to just keep quiet if you have nothing good to say”.
Satish Nair said, “Ignore katak bawah tempurung. Keep it coming!!” before telling critics to try winning a gold medal in a baju kurung before commenting.
Alvin Leong merely dismissed them as “dirty-minded”.
Kamil Bahrudin said: “Please ignore all these haters. Haters will always hate,” while Siti Syaira implored: “Don’t ever submit to religious fanaticism. They are just pretenders for being a representative of God.”
Marina Mahathir also weighed in, saying “... Those people who spend their time looking at athlete’s private parts, what exactly have they done to bring glory to their country?”
For Ivy Josiah, the crude comments reflected how society did not know how to respect women.
“We see women’s bodies as easy targets, and it’s important now for male leaders to take a stand against it,” she said.
Sisters in Islam executive director Ratna Osman said the nasty remarks did not contribute anything positive, unlike Farah Ann’s achievement.
“There is more to a Muslim’s life than obsessing over what someone is wearing and not wearing,” she said.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Farah Ann had worked extremely hard to get where she was now.
“I am extremely proud of each and every one of our athletes who have brought glory to this nation, regardless of their competition regulation attire, and I hope everyone is too,” he toldThe Star.
He also tweeted: “In gymnastics, Farah Ann wowed the judges and brought home the gold. In her deeds only the Almighty judges her. Not you (the detractors). Leave our athletes alone.”
The Star Online
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