JANUARY 2 — Schools in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have already started their 2022/2023 (third term) session on January 1.

Schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, on the other hand, start their session on Tuesday, January 3.

"I wish you a happy return to school soon,” Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek tweeted on December 28.

As my son prepares for school, I notice that one of his accessories is still the school tie. Somehow it strikes me: Why are our children putting up with the school tie when our Members of Parliament (MPs) attending the second day of the Dewan Rakyat Session on December 20 were exempted from wearing neckties?

According to the dress code found on the Parliament’s official website, men attending Parliament sessions should wear suits, long-sleeved shirts and neckties, preferably in dark tones.

They can also choose to don national or traditional attire complete with leather shoes or other similar dark-coloured shoes and socks.

The no-tie option was announced by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul before adjourning the first day session.

"Just a reminder and a request, there is a suggestion for tomorrow, those who wish to wear a suit, I exempt them from wearing a necktie. So you can come in Baju Melayu or a suit without a necktie, it’s an option,” he said in Parliament.

Fadhlina did not tweet a no-tie option for our school children. Classrooms and the Dewan Rakyat are like heaven and earth —or in BM, bagai langit dan bumi.

Will there be a no-tie option too for our school children, Minister?

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.