After Hannah Yeoh revealed the fits for the Malaysian Contingent heading to the Olympics 2024 in Paris, Malaysians have been extremely disappointed.
Based on reports, the gold-coloured collection named “The Malaya” was designed by renowned local designer, Rizman Ruzaini.
The female athletes are to use baju kurung complete with a headscarf, while the male athletes wear Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, complimented by a songkok and a sampin.
The creative designer noted that:
"This inspiration is not foreign to the Rizman Ruzaini brand, as we are local designers who always champion traditional cultural attire such as Baju Kurung Pahang, Baju Kurung Kedah, Baju Melayu, and Sampin.
It demonstrates how fashion unites all races in a peaceful and united country like Malaysia. We have a rich history, and we want it to continue as a beautiful unification for all ethnicities.”
Unfortunately, pretty as the design may be, netizens were outraged. Many noted how the traditional wear was basically just Baju Melayu, and nothing else.
It fails to represent the true diverse heritage and culture of Malaysia, which includes different ethnicities and races.
