IN his first move, the newly minted Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has waived the need for lawmakers to wear neckties with their suits in the chamber.

Johari told the MPs that it is optional from now after several lawmakers made a request for the tie to be dispensed with.

“There is a suggestion that I exempt those who are wearing suits from wearing neckties. You can come in baju Melayu or suit, but without a necktie. It is an option,” he declared today.

Currently, the Dewan Rakyat allows lawmakers to wear batik on every Thursdays for its meeting – a move introduced last year to promote the local batik industry.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also been spotted without a necktie at formal events and on Fridays, dressed in baju Melayu since taking office. – December 19, 2022.