By Eileen Ng
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KUALA LUMPUR, THURS: Stop chasing skirts and focus on the security arrangements - this is the directive Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz has for the parliament administration.
"They should be more concerned with security than enforcing dress code. They are more important things going on inside the Chambers," he said during a press conference amidst mounting criticisms from women reporters over the over zealousness of House security.
The security, over the last two weeks, had been telling women reporters the length of their skirts did not conform to the parliament dress code - of wearing skirts below the knees even though much of the knees were covered.
Last week, a reporter had to drive home to change into a pair of pants after her knee-length dress was deemed indecent while another reporter was told off as her pants was deemed "too tight".
Yesterday, Kwong Wah Daily's assistant news editor Denise Lee was stopped by security when the below-the-knees skirt she was wearing was considered too short. Today, The Edge Financial Daily reporter Pauline Puah also suffered the same fate.
Most of the other female reporters who failed the "skirt test" by inches were told to pull their skirts down a bit!
Protesting reporters reminded the guards that women MPs, particularly Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) and Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh), were spotted with skirts which did not cover their knees.
"We can't tell them off as they were MPs," was the standard refrain.
Today Nazri, who claimed he had no knowledge about the dress code, said there should not be double standards in the House.
"We should not be worrying about this. They should be concentrating on their work rather than the attire of a person," he said, adding that since the start of Parliament session, he has not seen anyone indecently dressed.
Nazri said as long as women were togged decently, there should be no problems.
"To me, as long as you don't come dressed only in your underwear, I'm fine with it. I don't know what's going on in their heads," said the visibly annoyed Nazri.
He added if there is any complaint about indecent dressing, it should be forwarded to him.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen who has always dressed impeccably and well covered, said it was not up to the guards to decide on how people dressed.
"The guards are here to take care of security. They are not the fashion police. I believe those who come to parliament will not dress indecently," she said.
In the House, M.Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) and Kok raised the matter at the end of Question Hour.
"How can this be imposed. Who is running parliament?" asked Kulasegaran.
Deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee said since the matter happened outside the chamber, it would be dealt by the management.
"It should not be raised here," he said brushing aside the howls of protest.
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