Nik Aziz Nik Mat, chief minister of the Malaysian state of Kelantan, created a controversy in September with his declaration that Muslim women should avoid wearing lipstick or perfume outside the home because it could stir up sexual passions and increase the risk of them being raped.
Nik Aziz has a habit of making such statements about women, including his argument that the state should only employ ugly women because they would be unlikely to get married and leave their jobs.
Dr. Ng Yen Yen of the Malaysian Association of Youth Club said of Nik Aziz’s statement,
I find it ridiculous that a leader of today can have that perception of violence against women. Little girls with no make up and perfume have became rape victims.
He never fails to shock me over how little he understands gender issues. What sort of society is he creating in Kelantan and Terengganu?
What sort of society, indeed.
Malaysian minister: ‘Lipstick invites rape’. Jonathan Kent, The BBC, September 2, 2003.
Lipstick-rape comment raises a stink. Izatun Shari, The Star.Com, September 2, 2003.