UKM Revokes Ban on Cheongsams and Sarees After Public Outcry; National Costume Now Allowed

When it comes to convocation ceremonies, there are many things universities and students need to prep for. One aspect of convocation ceremonies that is crucial to get right is the dress code as these are formal events that both parties place high importance on.

So, when it gets messed up, things are not pretty.

Recently, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, a prominent public university drew backlash from netizens for prohibiting cheongsams and sarees in their official dress code for an upcoming convocation ceremony.

Many voiced their objection of the dress code, including lawyer and activist Siti Kasim who took to TikTok to express her anger at the “infiltration, monitoring and control” by the university.

After pressure from the public, UKM took down the notice and issued a new dress code. According to the revised notice shared on its official website, national costume is now allowed for all graduates and guests. However, it is not specified what “National Costume” entails.

Other changes to the dress code

For male graduates and guests, the baju melayu has also been removed from the list of permitted clothing, probably because it can be considered a national costume.

As for female graduates and guests, lounge suit and long dark pants have been added into the list of permitted clothing. 

For shoes, the regulation is also slightly tighter for female graduates and guests. Previously, shoes that only covered the front and back of the feet were still allowed, but the new dress code states that only fully covered formal shoes are allowed.

It’s great that the university has taken into consideration the public’s criticism but will the ambiguity of the new dress code create more problems?

Also read: UKM Bans Sarees and Cheongsams For Convocation Ensemble