He called for all assemblymen to be “properly attired” according to the rules of the house, after observing the three members – Shamsudin Lias (BN- Sungai Burong), Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PAS-Sijangkang) and Mohd Imran Tamrin (BN- Sungai Panjang) – were wearing baju Melayu and songkok.

“Please follow the standing orders. I am only issuing an advice to some of you today,” Ng said, pointing out that men should wear lounge suits to the assembly.

“Some leeway is given for assemblymen to wear their baju Melayu whenever there is a sitting on a Friday,” he added.

However, Shamsudin protested, questioning Lim about the existence of any rule in the standing orders on dress code, especially one that bars them from wearing their traditional clothing.

“I think we are obeying the rules. Also, the public would be happy if we wore the baju Melayu,” he said.

Yunus also pointed out that the standing orders were silent on the dress code.

Ng maintained his stand, saying that he was empowered to make a ruling on the men’s dress code under Standing Order 87(7), and that he had also issued an invitation letter on the assembly sitting, where the dress code for men and women were clearly stated.

However, Imran said the invitation letter could not be considered to be part of the standing orders.

“I understand there will be amendments to the standing orders on the dress code but until today there has been no motion for it.

“As long as there are no rules against wearing the baju Melayu, anyone has the right to wear it,” he said.

Ng responded, saying he did not wish to prolong the dress code issue.

“I want to see all of you wearing lounge suits tomorrow,” he said.