Netizens Question Why Cheongsam & Saree Are Not Allowed In UKM Convocation Dress Code
The university has since removed the poster from its official website.
By May Vin Ang — 31 Oct 2022, 06:40 PM
UPDATE: UKM removed the ban on cheongsams and sarees following public outcry. Read the full story here.
Netizens are expressing displeasure over Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) dress code guidelines for its 50th convocation ceremony next month
A poster bearing the university's emblem has been circulating on social media, showing acceptable and unacceptable attire for graduates and guests attending the ceremony.
According to the flyer, graduates or guests are encouraged to wear suits, baju Melayu, and long-sleeved batik shirts for men, while women are encouraged to wear baju kurung, baju kebaya, or long-sleeved blouses with long skirts.
Meanwhile, graduates or guests who wear certain items of clothing will not be allowed into the event hall
Among the prohibited clothing includes jeans, shorts, short skirts, slippers, sports shoes, cheongsams, and sarees.
Social media users claim that the poster was published on the university's official website. However, as of this morning, 31 October, the poster has since been removed.
Since being shared on Twitter, many netizens questioned why the traditional dress for Malaysian Chinese and Indian women were listed in the prohibited category for the public institution's formal event
"UKM, is this true? Why are you, a university, practising supremacist policies? Please STOP," a viral Tweet questioned.
"Why are some ethnic traditional clothes not allowed? When most of their clothing will be covered by the graduation gown?" questioned another user.
Someone else said, "Why are sarees and cheongsam considered inappropriate? It's a traditional dress just like a kurung or kebaya. Are you saying your non-Malay graduates and their family [members] are lesser than their Malay cohorts?"
SAYS has reached out to UKM for comment and has yet to receive a reply.
