Don’t leave dress code open to interpretation, says activist

PETALING JAYA: Authorities should review dress code guidelines and implement a standardised code for all.

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said this would ensure the dress code was not left to the interpretation of over-zealous enforcement or security officers.

Lee said although there were dress codes in place, the practice was still left to the interpretation of enforcement personnel of the respective departments and agencies.

He said it was high time for the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said to intervene and seek a once-and-for-all solution to the issue of decency.

“The Chief Secretary to the Government should step in and put a stop to moral policing by various departments and agencies,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee was referring to the incident on Thursday when Women’s Aid Organisation assistant treasurer Meera Samanther was told that her outfit was indecent by a security personnel at the Parliament entrance.

Meera said she was shocked when the security personnel approached her and said her skirt was too short.

A lawyer by profession, Meera said she was wearing her usual court attire, which included a knee-length skirt.

Lee said the issue at hand was “what appears decent to one, may not appear so to others”.

“This is why a clear-cut dress code, which must not be disputed by any Government agencies or department, is needed.

“The incident clearly indicates inconsistency in enforcing the dress code as the victims had been wearing similar attire when in court or entering other government buildings,” he said.