PETALING JAYA – MCA yesterday said the practice of wearing the traditional clothing of one’s own or of another ethnic group expands one’s horizons and should be encouraged in all schools.
Party spokesman Saw Yee Fung said doing so does not lessen any person’s ethnic identity.
Wearing traditional costumes especially during major celebrations like National Day is an important manifestation of the diverse characteristics of our beloved nation, she added.
Responding to a news article on an online portal claiming a school in Selangor had barred students from wearing traditional costumes of other races during the National Day celebration, she said it is bizarre that Indian students were disallowed from wearing sarees.
“This suggests that the said school’s authorities are ignorant about the characteristics of Malaysia’s multicultural society or trying to impose their values over others.
“The school’s approach is contrary to the multicultural and inclusive values espoused by ‘Malaysia Madani’ advocated by the unity government,” said Saw.
She said prohibiting Indian students from being attired in the saree may cause them to feel alienated from their own culture and exacerbate racial inequalities.
Following the incident, the Education Ministry (MoE) yesterday clarified that all students are allowed to wear their traditional and cultural costumes or dress when attending cultural and artistic activities at all institutions under the ministry.
MoE added that students are also allowed to wear additional accessories such as bracelets, necklaces and others to complement the traditional attire.
“It is regrettable that incidents of ‘Little Napoleons’ holding sway recur again and again.
“In addition to dragging the school into controversy, such episodes stir public dissonance, which undermine national unity and diversity in Malaysia,” said Saw.
To prevent cases of multiculturalism being debased from repeating, Saw said MoE must take practical actions to prevent such individuals from overstepping their authority in the future. – The Vibes, September 22, 2023
