The Straits Times (3 August 2004) - University students in Myanmar, long accustomed to political restrictions under their military government, are chafing under a new burden: a dress code.
The educational
authorities recently introduced new rules calling for students to wear uniforms
on campus, although no public explanation was offered for the move.
The uniforms are variations on traditional Myanmar outfits, using a longyi,
a type of sarong.
'We were told by our lecturers that by Aug 16, we must wear only a Myanmar longyi with a Myanmar traditional jacket, and boys will have to wear white shirts and Myanmar longyis,' a 21-year-old student of the Foreign Language Institute said this week.
Like most people in Myanmar who speak to the press, she asked not to be named.
Those not wearing the prescribed garb are barred from entering their campuses.
'This is a violation of our rights,' said a 22-year-old computer science student.
'We are grown-ups attending universities and colleges and we have the right to wear what we choose.'
Most people in devoutly Buddhist Myanmar, including students, have conservative social attitudes and dress accordingly.
But more liberal Western influences have become apparent in recent years, especially in the capital Yangon.
Some universities have introduced uniforms of a specific design and colour, to be worn three days a week.
Other universities only tell their students to wear a traditional longyi, while banning T-shirts and jeans, and tank-tops and skirts for women.
'Many universities abroad have their own uniforms to show their respective identities, so it's no big deal for me,' said another student. 'I can wear it with no complaint.'
But a 24-year-old engineering student said he did not like wearing a uniform 'because authorities can easily identify us if there is any student protest'.
A lecturer at a university in eastern Yangon said more than 90 per cent of students are now wearing traditional longyis.
'I am happy to see Myanmar students wearing traditional dress,' she said.
'They look smarter.' -- AP