UNIFORM STANDARD OF DRESS FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS

Madam Chan Choy Siong asked the Minister for Education whether he will take action to get all school teachers, both men and women, to observe a modest and uniform standard of dress as befits their profession as it has been seen that some school teachers are dressed indecorously in certain forms of ultra-modern attire when discharging their official duties.

Inche Rahim Ishak (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, it is desirable that teachers should dress neatly and soberly when they are on duty -

The Minister for Health (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Look at me!

Inche Rahim Ishak: -as the manner and mode of their dress will certainly have an influence on children under their charge.

The hon. Member's point is well taken and teachers will be encouraged to dress decorously rather than decoratively when on duty.

As for the Member's suggestion that teachers should wear a uniform standard of dress, the Ministry will seek the views of the various teachers' unions on the subject.

Inche Mahmud Awang (Kampong Kapor): (In Malay): What manner and mode of dress is anticipated by the Minister?

Inche Rahim Ishak: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have expressed earlier that whatever is considered neat and sober is acceptable. But if the Member for Kampong Kapor has any suggestions as to what mode of dress teachers should wear, they will be welcome.