Keep the kebaya heritage flying

THERE is this popular phrase – if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If is often used in business parlance and means that one should not try to change something when there is no reason to do so, especially when that thing is in a satisfactory state.

A survey sent out to customers by our national carrier Malaysia Airlines seeking opinions on refreshing its iconic kebaya uniforms worn by the cabin crew has raised concerns.

Among other things, respondents were asked if they were in favour of putting a "modest twist" to the kebaya and if they were in favour of providing flight attendants an option to don the hijab.

Another question asked if customers would like to see the crew move away from the kebaya and opt for "a more modest and practical uniform donned by other airlines with pantsuits, skirts and jackets."

Any kind of survey which seeks views of customers is always welcome. Malaysia Airlines, or popularly known as MH, must be commended for seeking feedback.

It is correct that the uniform, first introduced in 1968 by French couturier Pierre Balmain, should be updated. In fact, it has undergone several updates over the years but its core identity has always remained.

Unless one takes the trouble to look up the archive of past uniforms, it is almost impossible to tell the contemporary changes apart.

The Malaysian elements like the hibiscus, cempaka and jasmine, with even Sarawak patterns, have always been there.

Those involved in the subtle changes included Malaysian designer Andy Chiew and the School of Fashion at Mara University.

However, the way the questions have been phrased in the survey have caused apprehension.

The kebaya uniform is modest. There is no reason to suggest it is suggestive. The only complaints so far have been from a few MPs from PAS.

There is no reason to entertain these politicians as the decision is up to Malaysia Airlines' board of directors, and goes beyond the authority of the management.

No business can operate if it has to jump each time a politician, regardless of affiliation, complains and purportedly feels sensitive. No one knows how many people are actually offended, in any case.

The MH cabin crew uniforms have been regarded as among the best in the world, and there is no reason to doubt it. After all, it reflects the culture of the country with a touch of elegance and glamour.

I grew up in a family where my grandmother and mother, with their Peranakan roots, would wear the kebaya.

Only last week, I visited the Peranakan Museum and was most happy to see the staff in their kebaya best.

It would seem ridiculous for anyone to think there is a modesty issue here. Try telling that to the Nyonyas.

The flight attendants of Air India, Sri Lankan and Biman Airlines all proudly all wear saris, as expected of them.

Flight attendants from West Asia airlines like Etihad and Royal Jordan Airlines are often seen wearing a beret, while those with Emirates Airlines wear a light shawl. Iran Air crew wear the hijab with a beret while Royal Brunei attendants wear the hijab.

Naturally, each airline has its own identity, and the uniforms reflect the makeup of their nations.

Here is the irony. Singapore Airlines (SQ) has kept the kebaya uniforms – more than five decades after the split up of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA) in 1968.

Barbie Mattel even produces the Singapore Airlines Stewardess Barbie, complete with the kebaya. The uniform is also for sale online on Lazada and Shopee.

The SQ website proudly claims that Balmain designed the kebaya "which is synonymous with the Singapore Girl".

It says "she was born in the 70s. A time of fashion, invention and transformation. Yet, she remains timeless across generations. Her beauty, unfading.

"Her elegance, always in style. Dressed in her signature sarong kebaya, she's the symbol of Asian hospitality recognised the world over."

There is no mention of MSA and Malaysia in the website. The implication is this kebaya was an original creation for SQ.

Let's hope the survey remains a focus group study, and no more.

We wouldn't want to give up our iconic MH uniforms, and worse, to have SQ as the only airline whose crew wear the kebaya. The island republic could well seek a Unesco listing for kebaya!

It's better for my beloved national carrier to focus on improving its food offerings, service, safety features, punctuality and increase its competitiveness against other airlines as borders reopen.

MH remains my choice as I truly and sincerely believe it has the best cabin crew. That's Malaysian Hospitality.

And the crew look fantastic in their current uniforms, too.