During the badminton tournaments at the Paris 2024 Olympics, most Malaysians were focused on cheering for our local athletes as they competed to win medals for the country. However, some seemed more concerned with other aspects of the athletes' appearances.

Prominent Malaysian human rights activist Siti Kasim took to Facebook to address a now-deleted post in which someone urged authorities to enforce stricter dress codes on badminton players, demanding that they cover their entire bodies. The person also suggested that athletes who refused should have their citizenship revoked.

The post even included a photo of Malaysian women’s doubles team Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan as an example.

"I hope Malaysia mandates that our badminton players cover their bodies. If they refuse, revoke their citizenship for disrespecting Islam," the individual wrote.

In response, Siti Kasim condemned the statement as "offensive and regressive."

Many Malaysians defended the athletes, arguing that non-Muslim badminton players should be free to wear standard sports attire.

"I strongly disagree with this person's view. Each athlete should have the right to choose their own attire. Moreover, they are non-Muslims, and that’s their personal right. It has nothing to do with insulting Islam," one person commented.