FORMER Klang lawmaker Charles Santiago has blasted a PAS MP for wanting changes to be made to the dress code for nurses, claiming that the uniform is too tight and not shariah-compliant.

Responding to Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor’s comments, Santiago said the former was being sexist.

“We should be talking about affordable and accessible healthcare for everyone. And I thought I had seen it all.

“How dare you talk about what these women nurses wear? How dare you besmirch them? Do you understand how sexist this is?

“The uniform is a shared identity, where every other nurse wears a similar uniform and shares the responsibility and obligation of that profession,” he said in a tweet.

Earlier today, in the Dewan Rakyat, while debating the much-awaited health white paper on public health sector reforms, Wan Razali complained that nurses’ uniforms “show their body shape”.

“Can’t it be changed so that some relaxation on the dress code can be given?” he asked.

Wan Razali said Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, and Sultan Azlan Shah Medical Centre in Kuantan, Pahang, provided nurses with options in terms of dress code.

Santiago, who is National Water Service Commission chairman, said he was stumped by the level of discourse in parliament.

“It has been leaning towards ridiculing and belittling women as a way of gaining political mileage,” he said.

“I stand in solidarity with our nurses, and I’m really sorry you have to experience such sexism.”

Santiago said Wan Razali must publicly apologise to all nurses immediately over the statement.

“It’s disgusting that he forgot these nurses risked their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. – June 15, 2023.