PUBLIC universities have been urged to relax their dress code and stop punishing students for even the smallest indiscretion on what they wear or accessories they adorn.

In making the call, Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Chi Yang said institutions of higher learning should focus on improving education quality as well as nurturing talents instead of restricting students’ freedom in their choice of attire.

The Dapsy Varsity Affairs bureau director noted that recently some students were fined by the Universiti Technologi Malaysia management for not adhering to the institution’s dress code, such as colouring their hair or wearing too many earrings. 

At the same time, the Universiti Utara Malaysia had also issued a notice stating that all male students are required to wear neckties during examinations, and all students are required to wear leather shoes before entering the examination hall. 

“The stringent dress codes caused dissatisfaction and were debated among students in both universities.

“As the palace of nurturing critical and creative thinking, a university should be committed to producing students who dare to question, criticise, innovate and create new knowledge by building on the existing knowledge. 

“However, implementing stringent dress codes only creates unnecessary red tape in universities that does not help in nurturing talents,” Ho said in a statement today.

He said at the national level, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and many ministers have chosen not to wear neckties while carrying out their official duties. 

Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul has also announced a relaxation of the dress code for lawmakers, whereby they will no longer be required to wear ties during parliamentary sittings. 

“I call upon all universities to follow in the footsteps of the cabinet and the parliament by relaxing their dress codes and not issuing fines to students. 

“At the same time, the Higher Education Ministry should also advocate openness and progressiveness by instructing universities to respect students’ freedom to dress.” – February 10, 2023.