New Human Resources Minister's "Unusual" Headgear Is Actually A Thallapa
He was wearing it during his swearing-in ceremony.
By Jia Vern Tham — 22 May 2018, 01:43 PM
Netizens were in awe of the headgear sported by the new Human Resources Minister, M. Kulasegaran during his swearing-in ceremony yesterday, 21 May
M. Kulasegaran received the letter of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday.
Image via Sinar OnlineThe Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament's "unusual" headgear has since sparked interest on social media, reported Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
Some questioned the design of the turban, which resembled the one worn by the new Communications and Multimedia Minister, Gobind Singh Deo during the swearing-in ceremony.
Kulasegaran, a Hindu Tamilan, responded to the social media inquiries by explaining that he was wearing a traditional Tamil headgear
The Star reported him as saying that the headgear is called "thallapa", which is also traditionally worn by Tamil kings.
He also expressed his pride in wearing the thallapa in recognition of his heritage.
"The last time I wore it was during my wedding. It is part of Tamil culture," Kulasegaran was also quoted as saying by FMT.