‘Bare shoulders’ backlash: Malaysia artistes turn to self-censorship amid syariah-oversight concerns

KUALA LUMPUR – The removal of Malaysian girl group Dolla’s

latest music video from digital platforms

after backlash against their outfits has put a spotlight on the jurisdiction of syariah law over the entertainment industry.

De facto Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said on Nov 15 that Muslim artistes fall under syariah provisions on attire, after he was asked by local media whether action will be taken against the group.

Civil rights advocates criticised the knee-jerk reaction, with lawyer Latheefa Koya of rights watchdog Lawyers for Liberty saying the minister’s remark misrepresented syariah enforcement in Malaysia.

“The making of the threat of prosecution indicates the federal government going beyond legal boundaries in administering syariah law,” Ms Latheefa told The Straits Times.

“The minister has no power to commence any action against a citizen. That is the responsibility of the Chief Syariah Prosecutors of the respective states and federal areas.”

The 3min 19sec music video for “Question”, set in a retro-style diner with red booths and warm lighting, features the trio performing in two outfits. The members appear in bare-shoulder and midriff-baring looks that some viewers deemed too revealing for Muslim performers.

Datuk Na’im said on Nov 15 that a review would be done to see if any crimes under syariah law, which applies to Muslims, had been committed in the music video.

Mr Na’im also called on the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Federal Territories Mufti to review existing guidelines on the attire of Muslim artistes.

Dolla consists of three members: Sabronzo (Wan Sabrina Wan Rusli), Tabby (Tabitha Ariel Lam Lianne), and Angel (Angeline Chai Ka Ying). Only Sabronzo has a Muslim background.

In a statement on Nov 15, Dolla’s music label Universal Music Malaysia (UMM) said it removed the video from all digital platforms to “protect the sensitivities of the various races and religions” in Malaysia.

Following the removal of Dolla’s music video, Mr Na’im thanked UMM on Nov 16, saying that the decision demonstrated the entertainment industry’s sincerity and sensitivity to public sentiment.

Dolla released the video ahead of its anticipated concerts scheduled for Nov 22 in Singapore, and Dec 6 in Malaysia. The Singapore date has been postponed until further notice, according to ticketing platform Sistic.

How sexy is ‘too sexy’?

Dolla’s video was not the only release to draw scrutiny. In March 2025, rapper Mimifly drew similar backlash over her music video for “Serumpun” that was released for Aidilfitri.

Critics said her wearing a kemban – a traditional wrapped sarong that leaves the shoulders exposed – was inappropriate for a video released during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Ms Mimifly then replaced the video with an edited version.

Meanwhile, performance guidelines in Malaysia have grown more restrictive. 

The Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (Puspal)

updated its guidelines on May 1

to prohibit male artistes from cross-dressing, ban female performers from wearing clothing that “widely exposes the chest area” or skirts “too high above the knee”, and forbid the removal of clothing on stage. 

The government defended the tightened Puspal rules as necessary to “protect the sensitivities of everybody in Malaysia”.

Malaysia has also implemented a

kill-switch for foreign performances

. In May 2025, K-pop soloist Hyolyn’s show was briefly interrupted by a power cut. It was the first time the kill-switch had been activated, due to the performer’s revealing outfits then.

Ms Latheefa commented that syariah law does not criminalise outfits deemed “too sexy”. In Malaysia, Islamic affairs fall under state jurisdiction, with each state empowered to legislate and enforce its own syariah laws.

“Women are only enjoined to dress properly. This needs to take into account contexts and circumstances,” she said.

She also warned against the “lopsided focus on women’s choices”, particularly when it risks federal intrusion into personal matters protected under the Federal Constitution.

Similar scrutiny has extended to universities.

On Nov 16, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) clarified its Culture and Arts Policy after criticism of a circular banning mixed-gender performances and restricting female-only shows to female audiences.

It also required performances to use “gentle, Malay-centric” music and stated that “foreign culture groups” needed the vice-chancellor’s permission to perform.

UTM explained that “foreign culture” referred only to elements that misaligned with university values, and reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Grey areas fuel self-censorship

A senior broadcast executive at a major TV station, who wished to remain anonymous due to the delicate nature of the topic, said content decisions are increasingly shaped by sensitivities.

He said broadcasters must ensure programmes respect societal and religious norms, and this often requires reviewing creative concepts to avoid offensive material.

Yet, he noted that guidelines are not always clear or consistently enforced, creating grey areas that lead platforms and artistes to self-censor to avoid disputes, a practice that can stifle creativity and innovation.

“It is not about imposing moral judgment. It is about having clear, consistent and transparent guidelines. Without it, the industry risks confusion and missed opportunity,” he told ST.

Mr Joe Lee, a member of the Music Industry Pro Tem Committee under the Communications Ministry, said artistes operate within established guidelines for television and concert appearances, which have long ruled out lingerie-like outfits. 

But he noted that the industry is also shaped by shifting cultural tastes and social sensitivities.

“While I generally don’t agree with moral policing within the entertainment industry, all parties have to understand the Malaysian code of conduct and the laws and sensitivities,” he told ST. 

“Trying to ape other cultures for views and attention is a desperate cry to be noticed, and in the case of Dolla, sadly this whole situation has pushed their talent to the background,” he said. 

He added that the attention on appearance risks overshadowing talent. 

Rather than tighter rules, he believes “common sense” should guide decisions. 

Performers who “push their luck”, he said, risk provoking knee-jerk reactions aimed at appeasing conservative groups.