Most members of MalaysiaвЂ™s ethnic Malay Muslim community follow a moderate form of the religion and while the majority of women wear a headscarf, there is no law requiring it.Д«ut conservative Islam has been gaining ground, pushed by hardline politicians and preachers, accompanied by growing criticism of any activities and behaviour seen as undermining the faith.ДЇor SYA вЂ“ real name Nur Batrisya Mohammad Nazri - art and religion should be kept firmly separate, however.

SYA says she is facing down the вЂњpatriarchal mindsetвЂќ and вЂњsexualisationвЂќ of those who donвЂ™t conform to the clichГ©d expectations of Muslim women. вЂIMPOSTER SYNDROME HIT MEвЂ™ - while Malaysia is a relatively affluent country, society remains largely conservative, with critics saying womenвЂ™s rights are not sufficiently protected and harassment is common. вЂњвЂIs she a Muslim? How much per night? Why is she showing so much skin?'вЂќ вЂњIвЂ™ve had a lot of disturbing comments,вЂќ the rapper reveals, adding that she has been accused of being a prostitute and had her faith questioned. Lauded by the industry as a rising star, the 25-year-old says she faces online abuse from those who believe her behaviour is not appropriate for a young Muslim woman. She is among a crop of young artists from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines who have been signed by global music giant Def JamвЂ™s Southeast Asian arm.

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