Nik Aziz: ‘Serban’ same as helmet
June 27, 2008 by Pendeta
KOTA BARU: The thick serban offers the motorcyclist the same protection as a crash helmet, Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said yesterday.
The 71-year-old, who also sports a serban, said he supported the state police’s move to nab motorcyclists who rode motorcycles wearing the kopiah (skull caps) as this would pose a danger to them.
However, he declined to comment when asked about the legal tussle involving a religious school student who was fined for wearing a serban while riding a motorcycle last November.
Under the law, helmet exemptions are given to Haji and Hajjah (Muslim men and women who had performed their pilgrimage in Mecca), lebai (religious person) who wear serban and Sikhs who wear turbans.
On Tuesday, student Ahmad Nasir Darus, 27, of Madrasah Al-Diniah Al-Bakriah or Pondok Pasir Tumboh here, who went on trial at a magistrate’s court for wearing a serban, claimed he should be given the same exemption as he was qualified to be considered as a lebai. The court will give judgment on Sept 15.
It was reported yesterday that the state police would stop issuing summonses to serban-wearing motorcyclists pending clarification over the legal interpretation of those qualified for the exemption.
Source www.nst.com.my
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“The thick serban offers the motorcyclist the same protection as a crash helmet, Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said yesterday.”
If the comments on serban were wholly religious in nature then the MB’s opinion in that aspect could be regarded as appropriate and relevance as it’s coming from rightful person.
But, to say serban is as effective as crash helmet in giving protection to motorcyclist, would be construed as complete ignorant and also show the tendency amongst the people in power to resort to a simplistic approach in order solve complex problems.
A proper study (scienctific approach) shall be conducted to evaluate Nik aziz claim, and most importantly improve the quality and ’safety feature’ of serban.