SCHOOLS in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have already started their 2022/2023 (third term) session on January 1.

Schools in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, on the other hand, start their session today.

“I wish you a happy return to school soon,” Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek tweeted on December 28.

As my son prepares for school, I notice that one of his accessories is still the school necktie. Somehow it strikes me: Why are our children putting up with the school necktie when our lawmakers attending the second day of the Dewan Rakyat session on December 20 were exempted from wearing neckties? https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/418312

According to the dress code found on parliament’s official website, men attending parliamentary should wear suits, long-sleeved shirts and neckties, preferably in dark tones. They could also choose to don national or traditional attire complete with leather shoes or other similar dark-coloured shoes and socks.

The no-tie option was announced by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul before adjourning the first day session.

“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 said in parliament.

Since being sworn into office, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been spotted without a necktie at formal events.

Fadhlina did not tweet a no-tie option for our pupils. Classrooms and the Dewan Rakyat are like heaven and earth – or in Bahasa Melayu, bagai langit dan bumi.

Will there be a no-tie option too for our school children, minister? – January 3, 2023.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.