Take the lid off the dress code rules

NEARLY 24 years ago, the government launched a worldwide tourism marketing campaign called “Malaysia, Truly Asia”. But long before that, Malaysians had already recognised that the country was multiracial, multireligious and multicultural.

We cheerfully celebrated our differences and tolerated our heterogeneity. But of late, there appears to be less tolerance and understanding, especially where it concerns dressing.

Several cases have been reported in the media of women being turned away from government premises, including hospitals and police stations, because they were seen as wearing inappropriate attire. In one case, a lady was turned away from a government facility for wearing a dress that, ironically, was acceptable in a court room.

Security officials at these places have been exercising arbitrary powers in determining what is acceptable and what is not. This should not be happening. The Chief Secretary to the Government must clarify if the dress rules were sanctioned by him. If so, he should come up with his reasons for doing so; and if not, he should rescind the rules.

This does not mean we should condone indecent dressing, but dress rules should not apply in hospitals and police stations on any day. These are places where people go to seek help. Offer them help first and then advise them later, if necessary.

It is baffling, to say the least, why the authorities concerned have been rather silent on this issue despite the fact that this matter has been raised in the media time and again.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Kuala Lumpur