KUALA LUMPUR: A multi-racial group of Malaysian personalities has come together to promote wearing baju Melayu ahead of Hari Raya.
Led by award-winning veteran journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and renowned men's wear designer Bon Zainal, they hoped to encourage Malaysians to dress up in the costumes of the different races during festivals.
Wong said the baju Melayu, the Chinese samfu and Indian dhoti and kurta, were not religious.
"The songkok is also ethnic and not religious," said Wong.
Both said they wanted to impress Malaysians to dress up for Hari Raya and encourage Malaysians to join Muslims to break fast together.
The two were joined by entertainer Harith Iskander, entrepreneur Azhar Nadzir, producer and TV presenter Aria Raj, producer Shaarin Razali Wong and musician Reshmonu.
Wong said they would use social media platforms especially Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to promote their campaign.
The Star Media Group advisor said many in the group were social influencers with large following on their platforms.
Wong has been involved in moderation campaigns in support of inclusivity.
Said Harith: "Post pictures of your friends of various races wearing baju melayu, don't be shy.
"Don't forget to hashtag #boysinbajumelayu and #malaysiansinbajumelayu."
Reshmonu said they hoped to spread the message of goodwill and friendship during the holy month of Ramadan and Hari Raya.
"On our part, we will be encouraging non-Muslims to break fast with their Muslim friends.
"We are doing this frequently although we haven't figured out who will be paying," he joked.
Shaarin, who comes from a mixed marriage family, said Malaysia is blessed to be multi-racial and multi-religious.
"It's beautiful and it's an asset," he said.
Raj, who also has a diverse background, said he was happy that Wong and Bon were promoting this.
"We are just playing a small part but we hope it will leave a big impression on as many people as we can.
"Malaysia needs this and we will always encourage love, tolerance and respect," he said.
Bon said he would be calling his contacts and friends to take similar photographs and upload it on social media.
He urged Malaysians to support local fashion designers and entrepreneurs during the festival.
