KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) cabin crew kebaya uniform has been the branding of the airline since the beginning of its operations in 1972.
It is regarded one of the most beautiful uniforms in the world.
"I am proud to have been part of the MH family, having been a cabin crew years ago, it is interesting to revisit my photos in kebaya during my flying years.
"The MH uniform represents the tradition of our home country and designed to project the unique image of Malaysian Hospitality while still being practical in an emergency," said Juliana Jimis, a former MAS international flight stewardess.
"This is our signature. We are there for safety first then the comfort of passengers," she said following remarks raised by Pas' Kuala Krai MP Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman, who was critical of how MAS stewardesses were wearing "revealing" clothes.
Abdul Latiff wanted the government to state its stand on the matter in the Dewan Rakyat recently.
Juliana, a Sabahan, added that Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) is a commercial airlines with passengers from all over the world, all walks of life with different beliefs and races.
"Now that we have additional precautions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to adhere such as face mask on, it is not necessary to change the uniform when most passengers come from diverse cultures.
"What about female passengers who wear shorts on board and attended by male crew? Are they part of the suggestions?" she asked.
"I was lucky as I had the chance to wear the last two patterns of 1986 and the current one which was changed in 1991," she cited.
The national carrier has changed the crew uniform several times from 1972, 1978, 1986 and 1991 but the kebaya design is still maintained, she said.
The uniform was given a slight update in 1991 with different colour-floral motifs, but the essence is still the same as the company currently flies under the name Malaysia Airlines (also known as MAB), said Juliana.