Commenting on his recent suggestion that Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) allow its Muslim flight attendants the choice of donning the hijab and refusing to serve alcohol to passengers, Asri said Muslims should be given space to practice their religion the same way non-Muslims had the right to practice theirs.

Despite his suggestion having shocked many netizens, especially those who once viewed him as a rational and progressive person, he insisted he was only looking at the issue from a human rights perspective and not a religious perspective alone.

“If someone forces a non-Muslim to cover their aurat, I do not agree because it is their right to wear what they want.

“Same rule goes to Muslims, they should be given their right to practise their beliefs,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that he did not suggest to MAS that all their employees cover up and that he was only referring to Muslim workers who may have expressed a wish to.