KUALA LUMPUR: MPs will now have the option to wear batik every Thursday as a sign of support to the local industry.

       The move follows a series of motions tabled by de facto law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in the House earlier Monday (Oct 11) and it was unanimously passed in a voice vote.

       Wan Junaidi had tabled the proposal brought by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in Parliament, that proposed for MPs to be given the option to wear long-sleeved batik shirts during proceedings every Thursday.

       "Batiks will not be mandatory and it will be voluntarily," said Wan Junaidi.

       Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, then asked for the proposal to be decided via a voice vote by MPs.

       Calls for MPs to wear batik every Thursday in Parliament was first made 2019.

       Since 2008, Putrajaya has made it compulsory for civil servants to wear batik every Thursday.

       Earlier, Wan Junaidi had also tabled a proposal to increase the number of special select committee members from seven to nine, consisting of five government backbencher MPs and four Opposition MPs.

       "This is in line with Standing Order 82(1)," he added.

       Wan Junaidi also proposed for the establishment of a Special Select Committee on International Affairs along with increasing the amount of parliamentary special select committees from nine to ten.

       The proposed Special Select Committee on International Affairs will consist of nine MPs with a two-term appointment period, added Wan Junaidi.

       Both motions were also unanimously passed in the House.