The Myth of Choice in Maryam Lee’s Unveiling Choice

Malaysia has witnessed Islamic revivalism since the 1980s and its Islamisation is exemplified in normalisation of hijab . Although adoption often cited as a choice Malaysia, Maryam Lee’s controversial book Unveiling Choice presents an alternative portrait society where predominant practice. Using Wodak’s (Reisigl & Wodak, 2005, 2017; 2001, 2018) Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) to Critical Studies (CDS), this paper explores argumentation strategies used against women, particularly challenging delegitimising her de- hijabbing decision. The findings revealed how not only indoctrinated from childhood but removing it delegitimised using linguistic means topoi ; more specifically topos authority, threat consequence. This concludes by highlighting implication these women’s agency pertaining pressure wear forceful, resulting becoming tool hegemonic gendered practice that works toward sustaining patriarchal status quo Malaysia.