Recently, it was reported that a woman who went to the police station to make an accident report was denied entry because her attire went against their dress code. She had to go home and change into ‘proper’ attire before she could be allowed into the police station. I remember that a guy experienced the same treatment too at one of our government departments some time back, and he had a wear a sarong over his shorts. So, his advice was to have a spare sarong in the car!
Our rakyat had raised their concerns and frustrations over the dress code issue in our government departments time and again over the years. Yet it remained an issue. Maybe it is time for our government leaders to re-think and put it right and clear.
Schools usually have uniforms for the purpose of promoting an image, learning, and safety. Corporate organizations and even some ‘casual’ companies too have dress codes for their staff. A company dress code defines professionalism and what your job involves. So, is a guideline of dress code necessary for our government departments?
Our government departments are there to serve the public. So, I feel that the dress code should be for their staff to follow. When we go to the government departments to renew our passports or driving licenses and make applications or reports, we definitely need to be appropriately and decently dressed. But sometimes, emergencies do happen; like what the lady experienced and hence she drove straight to the police station. Likewise, a man who is just wearing a singlet and shorts may rush into the police station when he is chased or attacked. Will he be turned away? I hope not.
So, what is appropriate for us here in Malaysia? I would say that Bermuda shorts, T-shirts, and sandals or slippers should be acceptable. We have to be practical in our hot, humid weather and not be burdensome in our expectations of a 100% right attire. As we develop as a nation, we must learn and demonstrate respect in all that we do.
Malaysia is multiracial, multicultural, and multi-religious. So, when we step into places of worship, let us all respect one another’s expectations of the right dress code. In our workplaces, let us be properly attired and work with pride. But in public places, let us respect the individual’s choice of dressing. I believe the majority of us would have the dignity to be sensibly and yet comfortably dressed as we go about our daily routines.
Let us not regress. Let us move on with the concept of Malaysia MADANI.
Mei Wong
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