KUALA LUMPUR - The Special Session of the Dewan Rakyat descended into chaos today when the Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), was accused of wasting time over dress code issues.
This happened during the welcome speech by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul to the South Korean delegation in the Dewan Rakyat today.
In his speech, Johari revealed that the dress code for members of parliament and officers in the parliament is subject to regulation 41F and that members of parliament do not need to wear a necktie when wearing a long suit, while officers should wear a necktie when wearing a long suit.
He also revealed that the wearing of long-sleeved Malaysian batik is only allowed on Thursdays.
Hamzah then questioned Johari if the MP still needs to wear a coat if he does not wear a necktie.
"So, if you don't wear a necktie, you don't need to wear a coat?” Hamzah questioned.
This question received dissatisfaction from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH–Hulu Langat), who asked Hamzah to sit down and stop wasting time.
"Hey, opposition leader, just sit down. Don't you understand the language? You're wasting time,” Mohd Sany stressed.
Hamzah then clarified that he was asking for clarification on the dress code, as he was not used to wearing neckties in his village.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) also questioned the dress code, asking why administrative members do not need to wear a necktie, but government officers do.
Johari explained that this decision has been made by him and has been the decision for years.
He said that officers must wear a suit and tie, but MPs do not need to.
He also said that he would discuss the matter with the committee if there were any disagreements.
"Officers must wear a suit and tie, Members of Parliament (MP) not so. This is a concession granted by me, as simple as that.
"As for the MP's disagreement, we will bring it to the committee, and we will discuss it,” Johari explained.