Ipoh City Council clarifies 'saree' issue was a misinterpretation

IPOH: The Ipoh City Council clarified the controversy over the "saree" issue, saying there had been a misinterpretation and that they never intended to touch on the sensitivities of any race.
"It was never our intention to offend anyone, especially in the month of Ramadan where all races are encouraged to respect and forgive each other.
"We would like to clarify that "except saree" meant that our staff were free to wear a suitable saree and those those who work in the field can make a choice to wear a saree, office wear, or anything that is appropriate for the ceremony," the council said in a statement.
A copy of the invitation which went viral on the social media has drawn flak from netizens with many criticising the council and accusing it of racial discrimination.
The invitation had earlier stated that Malays should wear "national clothes" while the attire for other communities was traditional clothes except "saree".
Meanwhile, Batu Gajah MP V. Sivakumar demanded an apology from the council over the invitation for a special Aidilfitri gathering on July 1.
He said the invitation insulted the traditional wear of the Indians.
"I do not intend to raise a racial issue, but I'm compelled to write this statement because the Indian community has been insulted.
"In the invite, it is clear that the attendees are encouraged to be dressed in their traditional wear except "saree".
"I therefore call for both the Federal and the state governments to right the wrong. I demand an explanation," he said, alleging that the incident had angered Malaysians.