Never mind major reforms, isn't it time for the Madani government to undertake “simple reforms” such as “improving” the controversial dress codes that for years have caused much anguish and unease among some in the plural society here?
This multiracial country rarely hogs global headlines when it comes to sporting or other successes, but it's certainly a “world beater” when it comes to self-generated controversies - which inevitably also will always have something to do with either money (corruption) or the notorious 2Rs (race and religion)!
For context, the latest flashpoint involving “dress code” for members of the public entering government departments was triggered last Monday (Dec 8) in Jasin, Melaka when a 56-year-old woman and her daughter, who is in her 20s, were stopped from entering a police station due to their attire.
According to reports, the older woman, who was said to be wearing a grey skirt which was just above her knees, had gone to lodge a police report after her car was hit by a vehicle at the North-South Expressway on her way to Kuala Lumpur; however, as it turned out, they had to buy trousers from a nearby mall before being permitted to enter the station!
“Mandatory shopping” before making reports?
Unsurprisingly, after the issue had blown up, the state police chief in defending the action explained that his officers were merely following the government’s dress code.
Alas, as most Malaysians will know, this is not the first case where members of the public were barred from entering government premises due to their attire; in fact, there has been a slew of such cases down the years which has caused much anger, confusion and anxiety among the public.
In the first place, except at religious houses or events, isn't “moral policing” of a person's dressing in public spaces “unconstitutional?”
Just for the record, there was a similar incident in 2023 where Selangor police came under fire from a former national police chief and a federal minister for not allowing a woman to enter the police headquarters to lodge a report in one of their stations – just because she was allegedly wearing “Bermuda” shorts!
(News headline and image sourced from The Online Citizen)
Meanwhile, another case involving “inappropriate dressing” had allegedly occurred at a government building in Perak, also in 2023, where a businesswoman who had travelled from another town was barred from entering a government office allegedly on the grounds that her dress was slightly above her knees.
Of course, in line with the Rukun Negara, a certain level of decorum must be observed in the way people dress, especially when venturing outside their homes, with the minimum requirement being that it's presentable and not provocative or obscene!
However, with the “victims” and the "perpetrators" often coming from different ethnic backgrounds - could it actually be an unintended clash of cultural and religious norms?
Meanwhile, in light of the public outrage over the issue, federal minister Gobind Singh Deo had promptly intervened to demand that any SOP that denies the public from entering police stations to lodge reports must be reviewed.
Gobind also criticised those involved in the recent incident in Melaka, which according to him was not just an abuse of authority but was also an obstruction of justice as the law actually requires people to file police reports when certain incidents occur.
Interestingly, it was pointed out recently that according to Section 107(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) a police officer is duty bound to receive any information in relation to any offence committed anywhere in Malaysia; hence, if the member of the public can’t step into a police station to make a report for whatever reason, the police must step out to take the report.
Hmmm…
While the latest dress code incident may seem “harmless” it is bound to have a negative impact especially among the minorities, many who already feel that they are not treated fairly; furthermore, such incidents are not isolated as there may be many similar cases not reported by the public.
Surprisingly, after the backlash from DAP leaders and others, the government duly responded with a directive requiring essential frontline services at government departments such as police stations and hospitals to be more flexible with dress codes; but seriously, is that enough to fix the problem and placate disgruntled members of the public?
But police stations aside, what about other government departments? What if an old Chinese “auntie” walks into the welfare department wearing a worn out sleeveless cheongsam? Or an Indian woman goes to the inland revenue board office wearing a saree which may reveal her midriff?
Since religion teaches us about patience and tolerance – shouldn't we practice it?
Disclaimer: There already are existing SOPs on dress etiquette for the public in many government departments, but the question here is who exactly determines what is decent and what is not? Does that person take into account the different religions, customs and cultures in this country? Perhaps, the Ministry of National Unity could play a moderating role here?
Thankfully, the furore over the incident has somewhat subsided, but like the typical tropical thunderstorm, the next one might strike - when one least expects it!
Sadly, incidents involving “enforced dress codes” continue to spark tension in Malaysia’s plural society straining the already worsening inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations here; if only both sides know where to “draw the line” and show mutual respect for each other's rights.
In conclusion, to prevent unnecessary confusion and to preserve societal harmony, shouldn't the Madani government come out with a clear, bold and unbiased policy on the matter; otherwise, given the prevailing sentiment on the ground, wouldn't it turn out to be yet another confirmation that the unity government (even with DAP onboard!) is no different from the previous ones?
Notes to Ponder: If all efforts to find a fair, lasting and peaceful solution to the controversial dress code saga fail, as a last resort, perhaps, someone might test its “legality” in the court of law?
Main information source: The Straits Times, FMT and The Malay Mail.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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