National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on Tuesday banned the wearing of Kaunda suits by Members of the Parliament.
While addressing the National Assembly, he referred to Rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules, which outlines the dress code of MPs, and declared that the suits, also referred to as Mao Zedong coats, were improper attire by House norms.
Further, Wetangula announced that Members of Parliament will only be permitted to enter the chamber, lounge, dining room, or commute rooms with appropriate clothing.
“My predecessors have had no issue with Kaunda suit. Going forward, any attire outside what is prescribed in rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules is prohibited. This includes Kaunda suits, whether long or short-sleeved,” he said.
“All members must observe rule 9 not only in the chamber but also in the committees, lounges and in the dining areas.”
Did you read this?
He said the rules needed to be obeyed to maintain order in the House because new fashion trends gradually replaced Parliament’s customary dress code.
“I do this to guard against negating the set standards, especially given the current preference for members to dress easily. This practice out rightly does not accord with the seriousness of the proceedings of the House and its committees,” he said.
Additionally, he banned the wearing of hats, caps, and traditional attire to parliament.
“Hats and caps for men are not permitted in the chamber and committees. Traditional and cultural attires are not permitted in the chamber, lounges and dining areas,” he state
Parliamentary dress codes state that Men should dress appropriately in a coat, collar, tie, long sleeve shirt, long trousers, socks, shoes, or service uniform, while women should dress in business, formal, or smart casual attire.
