JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – A Shakespearean dilemma grips Malaysian schools: “To tie or not to tie?” The Education Ministry’s decision to make student neckties optional from 2026 has unleashed a fiery debate over whether discipline is woven into fabric or forged through teaching.
The ministry’s circular, issued December 17 following a review at the Special 2025 Meeting of the Education Ministry Professional Council, cites Malaysia’s sweltering tropical climate and families’ financial strains as key reasons. Neckties are no longer mandatory, though schools and parents can agree to keep them voluntarily – without any pressure on students.
In Johor, where formal attire including ties has long been required on Mondays, the change disrupts traditions. Mohd Ridhwan Othman, chairman of the Malaysian Education Concorde Organisation (Me’Didik), laments potential waste from pre-purchased ties and argues they build character.”Neckties cultivate self-discipline and good grooming, reflecting the school’s image,” Othman said. He views tie-tying as a vital life skill, preparing students for professional environments where such attire remains common.
Opponents like Johor English Language Teaching Association president Vincent D’Silva counter that true discipline stems from values, not accessories. “In humid classrooms with poor ventilation, ties cause discomfort and distraction,” D’Silva argued, praising the move for prioritizing well-being while preserving core uniforms like shirts and trousers.”Respect and accountability define discipline far better than rigid dress codes,” he added. The policy modernizes schools, fostering trust without diluting standards. As the new term approaches, educators and parents weigh comfort against convention in this uniform uprising.