THE atmosphere in the Dewan Rakyat was more colourful with MPs donning batik attire.

       Most lawmakers were seen in the traditional attire following the start of “Batik Thursday” for MPs.

       Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who wore a purple and silver batik baju kurung, thanked the MPs saying they looked elegant. “You deserve all the applause,” she said during Ministers’ Question Time.

       The historic occasion saw several MPs including Kasthuriraani Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) and Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa exchanging pantun (Malay poetry).

       On Oct 11, Dewan Rakyat’s House Committee agreed to the proposal for members of parliament to be allowed to wear long-sleeved Malaysian batik when attending Dewan Rakyat sittings on Thursdays.

       Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who announced the move, said the proposal was mooted by Nancy.

       However, he said wearing batik on Thursdays was not mandatory.

       Meanwhile, Nancy said the move was good news for the batik industry and was part of the ministry’s efforts to uphold the art of batik as a national heritage.

       “We hope the 1,902 textile traders under Kraftangan Malaysia will benefit from this initiative,” she said.She added that the cash rebate of RM30 for every RM100 spent at premises under Kraftangan Malaysia would be extended until the end of this year.