Letters

Why the big fuss over attire when it should be left to the individual

LETTERS: Dictating to the people on what to wear and what not to wear goes against the fundamental right of an individual - freedom of expression.

As long as the dress is not offensive, revealing or too sexy, it should not be made an issue. The people should be given the liberty and freedom to choose how they want to dress.

Government departments have been known to have "Dress Code Guidelines" displayed on their premises to inform visitors to dress modestly when dealing with staff at counters. There are pictures of appropriate dress codes for men and women on such posters.

And there have been instances when security guards and officers at the reception counters in government offices have refused to entertain people on the grounds of their inappropriate dressing.

I am in my mid-60's and I love moving around in my khaki shorts which are casual and comfortable. I wear a T-shirt and a pair of shoes. At police stations and some government departments, I have been told to wear long pants to enter their premises.

This seems to be inappropriate. Who determines what is appropriate and decent in dressing for the public?

There should be no discrimination of services to the public simply because of their attire.

Not everyone is blessed to walk around with a long-sleeved shirt and a coat and tie.

What about the less fortunate people who cannot afford a decent and appropriate attire that meets the dress code?

Would they be denied access to government offices because of their poor dress code and social status?

Some government offices do not allow males wearing sandals, T- shirts and knee length shorts. The scorching heat makes it conducive and convenient for the people to be dressed for the weather - in casual clothes.

Good manners, respect and education cannot be gauged through dressing. Do not judge a book by its cover. Allow the people to dress to the weather and to their fashion sense and comfort.

Do not impose rules and regulations on appropriate and decent dress codes on matured and grown up individuals.

Dress codes found on government complexes are a subtle means of imposing values and norms on individuals. We are taught to think out of the box but unfortunately we are put in a box when dress codes are imposed.

The authorities should strive to improve their services and delivery to serve the public faster, more efficiently and sincerely.

Samuel Yesuiah

Seremban, Negri Sembilan


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times

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