A group of politicians staged a sartorial protest in Parliament, defying regulations by wearing bow ties to provoke debate amid a row over dress standards.

The group of 16 politicians turned up in Parliament yesterday sporting the bow ties in a range of colours, causing consternation among fellow lawmakers.

"We decided to collectively wear bow ties today to show that the House must come up with a clear ruling on what can or cannot be worn," lawmaker SK Devamany was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times .

Serious issue

The stunt follows a fuss over the attire of Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim, who wore an Indian Nehru-style shirt without a tie, prompting debate on correct parliamentary attire.

"This is a serious issue that needs a clear interpretation. If not, people will wear anything according to their whims and fancies," Devamany said.

The appearance of the bow tie brigade in the parliament's lower house sparked calls from some lawmakers for the group to switch to regular neck ties.

House speaker Ramli Ngah Talib finally ruled that bow ties are acceptable - as long as they are in sombre colours and tasteful.

"It will not be appropriate if there are clashes of colours or if MPs wear red or pink," he was quoted as saying in the Star daily.