MOST of the DAP state assemblymen are still undecided whether or not to wear the songkok during the state legislative assembly’s opening ceremony on Monday.

Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh said he was still undecided.

However, he added that the matter should not be turned into an issue.

“The songkok is part of the ceremonial uniform. It’s neither about race nor religion, so it should not be made into an issue,” said Phee, a state executive coun- cillor.

Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer said he too had yet to decide whether to wear the ceremonial attire on that day.

However, Datuk Keramat as-semblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he would consider Penang State Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain’s advice to assemblymen to wear the songkok.

“I have still not made up my mind whether to wear a lounge suit or the ceremonial attire as it is not compulsory to wear the ceremonial uniform,” he said.

Abdul Halim had advised all 40 assemblymen to wear the songkok for the ceremonial attire to look complete.

PKR’s Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said PKR assemblymen were expected to wear the No.1 official attire during the opening ceremony.

“There is no issue about wearing the songkok if it is part of a ceremonial attire because it’s just like a lawyer putting on a robe when appearing in a High Court,” he said.

Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tzin said he would definitely wear a songkok during the opening ceremony.

“It is part of our country’s cultural diversity and I am embracing it.

“We should support our rich multi culture especially after George Town was recently listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.

-THE STAR-