Minister has no business issuing threats against Dolla, says Latheefa
Published: Nov 17, 2025 9:00 AM
Updated: 2:03 PM
Lawyer Latheefa Koya has hurled brickbats at Na’im Mokhtar over his threats of syariah offence charges against Dolla member Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli, better known as Sabronzo, for her outfit in a music video.
Without mincing words, Latheefa (above) said the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for religious affairs has no business making such threats, adding that ministers cannot investigate or prosecute citizens.
“Prosecutions, whether civil or syariah, can only be decided by the prosecuting authority, after a fair and impartial investigation by the relevant investigative bodies.
“By launching this tirade against Wan Sabrina, the minister has publicly shamed her even though she’s not been found guilty of any offence.
“He has also prejudiced her fundamental right to a fair investigation and trial,” she said on X.
(From left) Angel, Tabby, and Sabronzo
Yesterday, Na’im described the girl group’s clothing as inappropriate and disrespectful to cultural and religious sensitivities and suggested that he would consider filing syariah offence charges against its Muslim member.
“From the perspective of taking legal action, we shall see if they are in breach of any regulations and syariah law enactments… so syariah legal action is within our consideration,” he said.
Na’im added that he would urge the Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office to re-evaluate clothing guidelines for Muslim celebrities.
Dolla, which also consists of members Tabitha Ariel Lam (Tabby) and Angelina Chai (Angel), released a music video on Nov 6 that courted flak from conservatives on social media over the members’ revealing attire.
In the video, the group was primarily dressed in halter neck tops with corset bodices paired with miniskirts, while in one scene, they wore outfits with bare shoulders and exposed midriffs.
Subsequently, Universal Music Malaysia took down the music video and apologised for its oversight on cultural sensitivities.
Sexism
Latheefa further said that the backlash against the band reflects certain quarters’ distasteful obsession with female purity, while ignoring harmful misogynistic attitudes in society.
Instead of sensationalising the issue, Latheefa urged Na’im and his ministry to focus on real problems affecting society.
Yesterday, Na’im described the girl group’s clothing as inappropriate and disrespectful to cultural and religious sensitivities and suggested that he would consider filing syariah offence charges against its Muslim member.
“From the perspective of taking legal action, we shall see if they are in breach of any regulations and syariah law enactments… so syariah legal action is within our consideration,” he said.
Na’im added that he would urge the Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office to re-evaluate clothing guidelines for Muslim celebrities.
Dolla, which also consists of members Tabitha Ariel Lam (Tabby) and Angelina Chai (Angel), released a music video on Nov 6 that courted flak from conservatives on social media over the members’ revealing attire.
In the video, the group was primarily dressed in halter neck tops with corset bodices paired with miniskirts, while in one scene, they wore outfits with bare shoulders and exposed midriffs.
Subsequently, Universal Music Malaysia took down the music video and apologised for its oversight on cultural sensitivities.
Sexism
Latheefa further said that the backlash against the band reflects certain quarters’ distasteful obsession with female purity, while ignoring harmful misogynistic attitudes in society.
Instead of sensationalising the issue, Latheefa urged Na’im and his ministry to focus on real problems affecting society.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar
Citing an example, the former MACC chief commissioner pointed out that thousands of children are being denied citizenship just because their parents’ wedding documents were not in order.
“Isn’t defending innocent children our highest religious duty?
“Besides, how did the minister decide that this music video was too sexy?
“Did he watch it? What’s the criteria to decide this? Perhaps he should just ‘have lowered his gaze’.”
The term “lower one’s gaze” is part of Surah An-Nur of the Quran, which is often interpreted as a reminder to men not to look at indecent scenes or the opposite gender.
Citing an example, the former MACC chief commissioner pointed out that thousands of children are being denied citizenship just because their parents’ wedding documents were not in order.
“Isn’t defending innocent children our highest religious duty?
“Besides, how did the minister decide that this music video was too sexy?
“Did he watch it? What’s the criteria to decide this? Perhaps he should just ‘have lowered his gaze’.”
The term “lower one’s gaze” is part of Surah An-Nur of the Quran, which is often interpreted as a reminder to men not to look at indecent scenes or the opposite gender.
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Ayatollah Na’im
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