Hamza Suhuyini, a member of the legal team challenging Wesley Girls’ Senior High School over its rules on Islamic practices, says the case currently before the Supreme Court is centered on constitutional rights and not a battle between religious groups.
He noted that the public must avoid framing the issue as Islam versus Christianity, explaining that the court is being asked to determine whether the school’s policy infringes on the 1992 Constitution and the rights of students.
“The question is whether mission schools that receive government support are public institutions. The Supreme Court will decide that, and whatever the ruling is, it must be respected,” Suhuyini said. “This is not a religious conflict. The basis of the case is constitutional.”
He added that media narratives often magnify the religious angle, but the substance of the legal arguments remains grounded in human rights and the interpretation of national laws.
At the heart of the lawsuit is whether Wesley Girls’ SHS can lawfully restrict Muslim students from practising their faith, and whether all students in public secondary schools should be free to observe their religion without limitations.
“Religion only forms a small part of the issue,” Suhuyini stated. “We are in court because of constitutional rights, and it’s important that people understand that.”
The matter has gained renewed attention after the Supreme Court instructed the school to respond to claims in a suit filed by private legal practitioner Shafic Osman, who argues that Muslim students are being prevented from exercising essential aspects of their faith.