Olympics attire courts flak, critics say lacking diversity

The Malaysian contingent’s outfit for the Olympics’ opening ceremony has faced backlash for lacking diversity.

Critics argued that the attire, while visually appealing, failed to reflect Malaysia’s rich multicultural tapestry.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, former youth and sports deputy minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said while the attire is beautiful, it lacked Olympic grandeur.

“The attire is beautiful but does not convey the Olympic atmosphere. It’s more of a Hari Raya vibe.

“We can see the public’s criticism. The design fails to encompass the richness of ethnic diversity and our representation from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Wan Fayhsal emphasised that he was not criticising the designer but believed they could have created a better outfit representing Malaysia’s diverse culture if they had more time.

“Good try, but I don’t want to condemn it too much. We can do better,” he added.

Yesterday, the Olympic Council of Malaysia revealed the opening ceremony outfit for Malaysian athletes, designed by local fashion house Rizman Ruzaini.

Despite claiming inspiration from Malaysia’s rich heritage, the outfit featured only traditional Malay attire: olive green songket-patterned Baju Kurung with a kelubung and Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga.

In an Instagram post, the council mentioned the designers were invited to create the outfit in January this year, resulting in the attire dubbed “The Malaya”.

Echoing a similar point, lawyer Siti Kasim took to Facebook, describing the outfit as dull.

“Sorry, I feel there are things missing. I would love to see Batik, real Baju Kurung, Kebaya, Cheongsam, Sarees, etc., and our Borneo friends’ traditional clothing.

“A bit more colourful, I’d say. Representing the reality of our multicultural and colourful composition as a nation (of) Malaysia,” she posted.

Other cultures ‘erased’

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon also questioned the outfit’s lack of diversity. He noted that it missed features representing the Chinese and Indian communities and claimed it has nothing to do with sports.

“Is this the official attire for the Malaysian delegation to the Paris Olympics that DAP Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is so proud of?

“Where is the promised diversity? Not only are the features of Chinese and Indian Malaysians missing, but even those from East Malaysia have been completely erased. This does not reflect Malaysia’s unique characteristics at all,” he said.

Urimai secretary-general Satees Muniandy joined the criticism, suggesting the council should have used athletes rather than models to showcase the outfit.

“The ones who should get the honour of displaying the design to Malaysians are our athletes, who proudly carry our nation’s flag.

“But perhaps the minister wanted a ‘feel-good’ response after the earlier blunder, which is why (they) opted for professional models,” he said.

Satees also pointed out the outfit’s name could be sensitive to some.

“Although it may seem minor, East Malaysians might find it offensive. I would have chosen a more inclusive name,” he added.

Despite the criticism, some internet users praised the attire for its simplicity, elegance, and classic appeal.

They also suggested that the outfit be available for public purchase.

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