Dato Sebastian on the “sarong” incidents.

suppadmin | June 26, 2015

Recent media stories on enforced dressing code in the form of ‘sarong’ when entering government agencies has indeed portrayed Malaysia as a rigid and intolerant country, said Secretary General of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, Dato’ Sebastian Ting.

Ting said he was dismayed and indeed shocked to read about the recent cases in the Road Transport Department, the hospital and worried that if these incidents were to be left unchecked, it would give the country a bad image, contrary to being moderate. The whole world is looking at us.

“Dressing is a personal choice. How one dresses not only reflects on one’s sense of fashion, but also shows a level of decorum towards others, including a sense of propriety. Of course, in any religious buildings, one must show our sense of respect for the religion of others by proper dressing and following the rules placed outside,” he said.

However, Ting believed that the dressing rules placed at the government buildings were for the civil service, which all have their own dress codes and not for the public. Visitors, he added, should have their own sense of decency in terms of dressing when visiting others’ dwellings – including government buildings. Dressing in official functions also shows one’s sense of respect, not only towards oneself, but to others as well.

Recent reports in the media where guards became the guardians of dress codes is totally improper and incorrect. “They are there for the purpose of security. If and when a visitor dresses improperly, then she should be requested to stand aside and politely told about her sense of dressing. They should not go overboard as to order visitors unfairly and embarrassing them in the eyes of others. Genuine respect must be accorded to a lady..” he pointed out.

Saying that Malaysia is an open society, one should respect one another, immaterial of colour, race, religion or beliefs. This should be extended to dressing and not forced on others, he said.

This “sarong” incident should not happen and must never allow to happen in Sarawak as it will only create uneasiness amongst not only the ladies but their family members as well.