Friends Of STAR

Laughter is the best medicine, so they say. I could not stop laughing the whole day yesterday after reading MINDEF dress code ethics as published on their web site. No, not the Malay version but the English version. There is nothing wrong with the Malay version but my God, the English translation (which has since been pulled down) was not only awful but gave totally different meaning to the whole thing. From Timbuktu to Tanah Merah the whole world stood still after reading the thing. Probably a suicide bomber in Iraq paused for a moment after reading it.

My suggestion to MINDEF is simple, keep your web site in Malay. After all Bahasa Melayu is the official language and things like dress code which is meant for internal circulation and has nothing to do with other people could probably be distributed to all MINDEF staff via email. Whatever it is, the damage has been done.

For those who missed it, here is a text version of the English translation (mind you, it is no longer available at MINDEF web site) though the Malay version is still there:-

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How to dress symbolizes the personality of the officers and staff as well as the values and moral work ethics. Therefore, how to dress and clothes are clean, tidy and appropriate to be standard practice is emphasized to the officers and staff. Following rules of dress while on duty in the office to be observed:

Dress code FOR MEN

Men's Clothing:

i) For officers in the management and professional, "Lounge Suite" or "Bush's jacket

ii) long pants with long sleeved shirt and tie

iii) complete with Malay dress clothes and bersongkok bersamping dark.

iv) Officers in the management and professional to wear a neck strap / cap / corporate scarves every Wednesday and the official functions of the Ministry.

v) long-sleeved shirts and T-shirt: -

a) collared shirts and tight Malay civet berbutang three

b) collared shirts and tight Malay civet berbutang five

c) hidden berbutang Nehru collar,

d) three berbutang mandarin collar.

e) long pants. Do not fold your sleeves. Shirts must be included in (tuck in).

f) Nehru suits made of fabrics and colors to suit: -

i) forward berbutang

ii) hidden berbutang

The dress code is not allowed in the work:

a) Dress up that thought it seems to want to attend a party or picnic

b) Clothes that poke eye

c) 'jeans' or 'slacks'

d) Short Pants

e) Clothes that cover their face

f) sports shoes and slippers

g) hair dye

h) Suits (except in circumstances that require such work to outside)

i) long pants and blouse (for women)

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If you wish, you can read an article on the Star about this.

This the English version taken down by MINDEF, somebody had already uploaded it to SCRIBD (so MINDEF, don't hide hide la..malu)