Heng: Disqualifying a chess contestant just for her dress; the organiser should be investigated over misuse of power

I would like to condemn the organiser and chief arbiter for misusing their powers to disqualify a female contestant based on her ‘seductive’ dress. Such unfounded reason cannot be used to nullify the organiser’s seemingly ‘harmless offence’, and those involved in this vicious dress row should be penalised at once, so to serve a stern warning to other narrow-minded individuals as not to repeat the same mistake.

There are certain narrow-minded individuals who think that a knee-length dress is too seductive for a chess tournament. In reality, such dress is deemed proper for most events and the organiser’s biased view was unreasonable to revoke a contestant’s qualification, as it was unfair to the contestant.

The key issue here should not be about a girl’s outfit, but the mindset and motive of those acting as ‘moral police’. Furthermore, playing chess has nothing to do with dressing as it is a healthy activity, and from the photo, she was decently dressed. Therefore, the incident shows the organiser’s ‘narrow mindset’ in disqualifying a contestant based on her outfit.

From a woman’s point of view, it is disgusting and frustrating to see that women being ridiculed, bullied and victimised for silly reasons.

In regard to this, the relevant parties should review their contest rules, so no one responsible for wrecking such havoc will be spared. The event organiser should also take full responsibility over this issue, and not evading problem by disputing claims.

Datuk Heng Seai Kie
Wanita MCA Chairman
Adviser of Prime Minister Department (National Unity & Integration) 
Deputy President of  the National Council of Women Organisation (NCWO)

-MCA Online-