Kota Kinabalu: Two local Sabah senior party members took to task Kuantan MP (PAS) Razali Wan Nor for saying recently that Malaysian nurses’ uniforms are too tight and do not conform to the teachings of Islam.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Central Women’s Group Director Glenna Wong hopes the authorities take action against what she describes as a “sabotage speech”.
“MPs should voice issues concerning people’s livelihood in parliament so that the government can take necessary actions or adjustments to modify certain national policies.
“Regrettably, some who are entrusted by the people do nothing but turn it (parliament) into a self-seeking place for their own personal interest,” she said in a statement.
Glenna said nurses’ uniforms are designed strictly according to their work needs just like law enforcement officers such as policemen and soldiers.
“Due to their scope of work, there are strict requirements on their attire, and they need to wear more close-fitting uniforms. There is nothing wrong with it.
“Unfortunately, those self-righteous MPs did not express their gratitude to our front liners but instead criticise their clothing.
“This discredit nurses’ contribution to the people as well as to our beloved country is an act of disrespect,” she said.
Meanwhile, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Tanjung Aru Division Chief Hiew Choon Yu said hospital are places for saving lives and seeking treatment not venues for political figures to manipulate political issues.
“Razali’s statement carry the suspicion of objectifying women. When it comes to a healthcare system that affects the lives of millions of people nationwide, he chooses to make a big deal out of the attire of nurses, and it is highly disturbing.
“Moreover, considering that nurses work for at least eight hours a day, should they wear unpractical attire just to conform to the opinions of these moral police?
“Besides, as long as the nurse uniforms are comfortable, practical, and appropriate, it is difficult to see any issue with the existing nurse uniforms,” he said.
He said the statement was made because Perikatan Nasional is gearing up for the Peninsula Malaysia state election.
“They are politicians who make statements for the sake of making statements, oppose for the sake of opposition, and relentlessly nit-pick and criticise the government.
“They are even seizing every opportunity to find fault, including the nurse uniforms that have been in use for over a decade.
“In the 1980s, it was typical for nurses to wear skirts. However, the change to the current uniform with pants was made to better adhere to Islamic principles.
“Furthermore, the current uniforms are not tight-fitting, and they also comply with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health.
“The speech of Wan Razali Wan Nor is unprofessional and appears to be politically motivated.
The Minister of Health, Dr Zalina Mustafa, meanwhile believes that the current uniforms are comfortable and nurses show efficient work.
“The Ministry of Health prioritises the overall service of healthcare professionals over the uniform issue,” she said.
