The PAS-led state government, he said, should respect the choices of the country’s “heroes and heroines”.

“Leave them alone.

“Sports is for all and our athletes are our heroes and heroines. Some athletes have personally contacted me on this issue. I’m obligated to defend them as they are the nation’s assets,” he said in a statement.

Yesterday, Terengganu executive councillor Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah told the state assembly that beginning next year, all Muslim athletes from the state had to wear shariah-compliant clothing both at home and while participating in outstation events.

He said the “tutup aurat” initiative would begin with footballers and expand to other sporting activities in stages.

He said this was part of the PAS-led government’s initiative to put in place Islamic values, especially in matters concerning shariah-compliant clothing.

Penang mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor has since backed the move, saying it was in line with the requirements of Islam.

In labelling the requirement as “alarming”, Syed Saddiq pointed out the future of sports like gymnastics, diving, swimming, and bodybuilding would be affected.

The Muar MP said there are countless Muslim athletes who have contributed a lot of medals for the country including gymnast Farah Ann Hadi, diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri and bodybuilder Sazali Samad.

These are sports, he said, that had contributed multiple medals to the country in the Commonwealth, Olympic, Asian and SEA games.

“Our very own hero, Azizul Hasni Awang, a well-known world champion cyclist from Terengganu, also achieved international recognition, regardless of his choice of outfit.

“I will stand with all of them regardless of their outfits,” Syed Saddiq said.