Parliament ponders traditional wear

The National Assembly is pondering on whether to adopt the Buy Malawian Strategy dress code for Friday meetings in keeping with a directive from President Peter Mutharika that civil servants should wear locally produced attire to support the campaign.

However, the dress code is strict for male members of Parliament (MPs) as Standing Order 205 (2) only allows female MPs to dress in traditional dresses or suits.

Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya disclosed Tuesday that the Business Committee discussed the proposal at a meeting held prior to the start of the budget meeting. He said the meeting was inconclusive.

“I wish to inform the House that the Business Committee resolved that there was need for the National Assembly to consult further on this matter,” he said.

The committee has since resolved that until consultations are concluded, MPs should adhere to the dress code prescribed by the Standing Orders, even on Fridays.

According to Standing Order 205 (1), the official dress for male MPs is a lounge suit, a pair of long trousers, a neck-tie and a jacket while the official dress for female MPs is a formal dress, dress or skirt suit, traditional dress or suit, short or long sleeved or formal executive trouser suit, according to Standing Order 205 (2). n