Fashion is a rare topic in Parliament but today, it became the centre of attraction in the august House.

After Works Minister S Samy Vellu finished answering the third question during the question session, Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Samad (BN-Johor Baru) suddenly stood up and made a 'complaint' that stunned everyone in the House.

Invoking Standing Order 41, Shahrir said: "The standing order states that members of the House should wear a lounge suit and tie, but I wonder whether the attire of the Yang Berhormat from Jelebu (Dr Rais Yatim) is acceptable?"

"Not everyone of us like to wear tie either... If his attire is adopted, why is it that other members of the House are not informed?" Shahrir asked.

Cabinet approval

Rais, who is the minister of arts, culture and heritage, was clad in a black baju melayu coat with a Nehru-collar - but without a tie - and black slacks today. Before he could respond to Shahrir's remark, Speaker Ramli Ngah Talib made a clarification.

"I have approved the 'alternative attire'," said the speaker.

At this juncture, Rais was given a chance to explain: "Firstly I thank YB Johor Baru (Shahrir) for hjis concern. Secondly, I am seeking permission to explain this issue because this alternative attire has been approved unanimously by the cabinet on Feb 26."

Shahrir, who appeared unsatisfied with the reply, interjected: "That is the question within the cabinet but in Parliament, we must respect what have been agreed here in this House".

Some backbenchers thumped the table after hearing Shahrir 's argument.

As the speaker repeated that he has approved the 'alternative attire', Shahrir continued to argue that although the attire is just a small matter, it is "unfair" for the other MPs as they were not informed on any changes of the Standing Order.

"(Rais) has written to me twice on this alternative attire and its approval by the cabinet. Although MPs are not informed yet, there is no compulsion (to wear the alternative attire), that is just alternative and I use my discretion to approve this," said the speaker.

Fashion critics

The House was getting excited with the fashion topic with a few MPs turned fashion critics and attempted to interject in airing their views.

One of them was Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong), who said MPs should be consulted on their views over the "attire ala Jelebu".

Rais, who is the former de facto law minister, immediately rebutted: "This is not 'attire ala Jelebu', this is called alternative attire. If someone don't like, they are not required to wear it, so please be careful with the terminology."

"This is tuxedo," vocal backbencher Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) suddenly exclaimed.

The Kepong MP took a swipe at the minister's reply and told Bung Moktar: "If you don't like, you better keep quiet." The House burst into laughter.

Abdul Fatah Harun (PAS-Rantau Panjang) also joined in the debate, saying that "I actually support his attire and the cutting of the suit, it looks like attire ala Islam, but is black an appropriate colour?"

"We respect the decision of the speaker but to uphold the authority of this House, whatever we do in this House must be defended," Dr Wan Junaidi Jaafar (BN-Santubong) said to the applause of the backbenchers.

The backbenchers also got the support from Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) who said the Standing Order was clear on the attire in the House and it should be a supreme reference for every MPs unless it is amended.

Ending the 10-minute debate, the speaker said he will issue a letter concerning the matter "once certain process is done" but he allowed Rais to wear his 'alternative attire' today.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament's lobby later, Rais said the 'alternative attire' including the Nehru collar and mandarin collar shirt is part of Malaysian culture and will be popularised during the upcoming Merdeka Day celebration.

"We shouldn't be stuck with this tie attire all the time but those who love ties like Shahrir, he can continues to wear it," he added.