National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has now barred Members of Parliament from donning Kaunda suits while in the House.
Wetangula on Tuesday referred to Rule 9 of the Speaker’s Rules which outlines the dress code of MPs, saying lawmakers would henceforth not be allowed to access some sections of the premises including the chamber, lounge, dining room or commute rooms without proper attire.
Despite noting that his predecessors had allowed MPs to wear Kaunda suits, Wetangula said the attire – also known as Mao Zedong coats – is not proper clothing for the House.
“My predecessors have had no issue with Kaunda suits…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.”
Speaker Wetangula argued that emerging trends in fashion were slowly replacing the traditional dress code of Parliament and thus the rules had to be followed to restore order in the House.
“My predecessors have had no issue with Kaunda suits…arising from emerging fashion trends that now threaten the establishment Parliamentary dress codes, it has become necessary for me to depart from what has been obtained regarding the admittance of Kaunda suits as appropriate dress,” he said.
“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.”
The Speaker, at the same time, banned the wearing of hats and caps for men and also traditional and cultural attires.
“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,” h stated.
According to Parliament rules of dressing, decent attire for men includes a coat, collar, tie, long sleeve shirt, long trousers, socks, shoes or service uniform while for women, business, formal or smart casual wear applies.
