Marinatasha Isnariah Mustapar, a female singer, was asked to leave the stage of a company’s annual dinner, because she wore a headscarf.
The 32-year-old was invited to sing on stage by the performing band when the director of Castmet Sdn Bhd requested her to step down.
During a media conference organized by the Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan), Mustapar recalled the incident:
“The next singer named Farina invited me to come on stage and sing with her. Out of respect for her, I went up to join her. But I was told off again by the director. He said to me, “you are wearing a headscarf which is not appropriate for this function.””.
Also present at the press conference, Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez expressed his disappointment. “Discrimination against female artistes who wear a headscarf should not happen in this country. Hopefully the party concerned would come forward to clarify and resolve this issue amicably with us (Karyawan),” he said.
When contacted by Bernama, Tan Keh Wah, Castmet’s managing director, said that the incident was not at all racially driven.
Tan explained that Mustapar was asked to leave the stage because she was not a singer engaged by the organizer. The Star reports that there was an agreement between Castmet and another company, to not engage with the singers who wore headscarves as alcohol was served at the function.
“Among the terms in the agreement was that the singers must interact and dance with the guests who are mostly non-Muslim men. And it was to preserve the image and sensitivity of Muslims that the company was firm about not involving singers who wear headscarf,” he said.
According to Wanista.com, Mustapar lodged a police report at the Sentul Police Station after leaving the event.
[Source]
