KUALA LUMPUR: Colour was added to proceedings in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 28) following the historic start of "Batik Thursday" for MPs.

       Most MPs were seen donning batik attire in the House, adding colour to the usual backdrop of black suits in the House.

       Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who donned a purple silver batik baju kurung, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank MPs who are looking smart and elegant wearing Malaysian batik today.

       “You deserve all the applause,” she said during Ministers’ Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat Thursday.

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

       On Oct 11, the Dewan Rakyat's House Committee agreed to the proposal for MPs 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 in support of the country's heritage.

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

       Meanwhile, at a press conference, Nancy welcomed the colour-filled development.

       "This is good news for industry players, especially for the batik industry, given the ministry's efforts to uphold the art of batik as a national heritage.

       "We hope that a total of 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 will be extended until the end of this year.