Mixed response to our Olympians' opening ceremony attire

PETALING JAYA: The design of the Malaysian contingent's attire for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has drawn mixed reactions.

While some complimented the sleek traditional touch, others claim it lacks the symbolism of Malaysia as the collection is named "Malaya".

"Simple but traditional touch. Nice!" praised a user who goes by the handle @BadmintonZenith on X.

"Beautiful. This is really elegant, as said by (Youth and Sports Minister) Hannah Yeoh," wrote @din_mesjid.

"Beautiful and simple, looks like (a) display for KL Fashion Week but where's the symbolism of Malaysian (sic) as multiracial multicultural country. Where's Borneo representations?" asked @acetheodore1711.

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@MdmRoseNor said while the design is beautiful, it would be more appropriate for a fashion show and not to represent Malaysia on the world sporting stage as it does not have the vibrant colours of our flag and does not reflect the country's cultural diversity.

Named "The Malaya", the collection by homegrown designer Rizman Ruzaini embodies the spirit of the Malay Peninsula and Borneo warriors before Independence, inspired by national heroes.

Set to take place on Friday (July 26) night, the opening ceremony along the Seine River will see Malaysia's women athletes wearing Baju Kurung.

The men will be dressed in Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, with both men and women's outfits featuring songket motifs, uniquely bearing the designer's exclusive identity.

However, while the chatter online dwells on the look of the designs, one netizen, @cikenwink01, said it best: "Don't really mind about the outfit as long as our athletes bring gold. Go Malaysia team".

Meanwhile, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said: "I do not deny that the design by the renowned designer Rizman Ruzaini is beautiful, creative, and meaningful.

What I raised concerns about are the elements of unity and diversity of the Malaysian people, in line with the current spirit of Malaysia Madani. So I ask, is this a source of pride for the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh?

"This also reminds us of the recent controversy involving the organizers of the George Town Festival 2024, who were criticised for not including Malay elements in their promotional video.

I also condemned that incident; you can refer to my TikTok video dated July 17, 2024. I clearly, consistently, and firmly stated that Malay culture also needs to be promoted.

"The same goes for the official attire of the Malaysian contingent. I want the true values and spirit of the diverse and unique Malaysian people to be highlighted, especially on an international stage like the Olympics.

"In addition to the cultures of the Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous peoples, let's not forget the cultural elements of Sabah and Sarawak, which would be even more interesting if incorporated into the design of the official attire for the Malaysian contingent."