What matters is practicality, not black or white shoes

YES, it is true that things are not always black and white.

Sometimes, they are black OR white, which seems to be the case with many people when it comes to shoes for schoolchildren.

There has been plenty of debate following the Government’s announcement on Thursday that black shoes will replace white shoes next year as part of the uniform for primary and secondary students.

It is possible that Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik had not expected this much of a reaction when he revealed this tweaking of the decades-old rules during a dialogue session organised by Sinar Harian.

When asked what he hopes his ministry can achieve within five years, a smiling Dr Maszlee began by declaring that schoolchildren will be wearing black shoes instead of white ones from next year.

There was applause and cheers from the audience as he explained that the move is in response to requests from parents, particularly mothers.

Apparently, fathers are not too bothered about their kids’ footwear.

Dr Mazlee did not immediately elaborate on the mothers’ colour preference, but anybody who has put on white shoes can testify that it is harder to keep dirt and stains off the shoes than if they were black.

It takes work and money to have your child shod in pristine white every time he goes to school.

Wearing black shoes is a more practical alternative.

There are other views, of course, in the matter.

To begin with, some people think the colour of school shoes is trivial when compared to many larger education issues.

The critics argue that the minister have more worthwhile subjects to focus on.

But such talk ignores the fact that the dialogue session went on for about two hours and Dr Maszlee fielded question on a broad range of matters.

He spent less than a minute speaking about the switch to black shoes.

Businessmen complain that the uniform change is abrupt and may lead to losses. They say they need more time to clear their stock of white shoes.

In addition, some parents are not happy that they have to buy new pairs of shoes for their children for school next year.

These are valid worries, and the ministry addressed them by designating next year as a grace period.

Yesterday, Dr Maszlee said students can continue to wear white shoes next year.

Then there are those who are against the change, saying children can learn about discipline, diligence, cleanliness and responsibility when they have to take care of their white school shoes.

They are not wrong, but surely there are other ways to instil these values in our young ones.

The school uniform here had included white shoes even before there was Malaysia. But that does not mean we are obliged to keep it that way.

We should not be ruled by inertia.

The last time the rules for shoes were amended was in 1985, to permit students to wear non-canvas white shoes.

This was to suit the fact that the market had started to favour shoes made from synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester.

Maybe there is indeed a hugely compelling argument for sticking to white shoes.

Maybe there is none. Nevertheless, the Education Ministry ought to be listening mode although it appears firm in going ahead with black shoes.

We expect the Government to be always transparent and convincing in articulating its decisions.

It would not hurt for the ministry to properly present the case for black shoes.

Whatever shoes the schoolchildren wear next year and beyond, it has to be what is best for them and their families.

And that is as clear as black and white.

SIMPANG RENGAM: All government schools will have up to a year to put into place and enforce the black shoe ruling for its students following public calls for a grace period.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the period was to allow everyone to get used to and adapt to the new ruling, including parents who might be burdened should the policy be implemented drastically.

For that period, he told reporters, no disciplinary action would be taken against students for not wearing black schools to school.

“For next year, we will allow students, whose parents have bought white shoes for them, to continue wearing these. We understand that the change cannot be forced on them.

“We are trying to be understanding so that all quarters, including parents and industry players, are happy,” he said after launching the service centre for the Simpang Renggam parliamentry constituency here yesterday.

“We are not going for a hard landing but a soft landing because we don’t want anyone to feel burdened or pressured,” he said, adding that the ministry had also taken into consideration the concerns expressed by the shoe store owners.

In a statement on Facebook, Education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin said it took into consideration various factors, including the parents who might have already bought new white shoes for their schoolgoing children or could not afford new ones.

On Thursday, Dr Maszlee had said the ruling was made following suggestions by parents who com- plained that the white shoes were easily soiled and difficult to maintain.

However, while some preferred black shoes for easy maintenance, some vouch for white shoes as a tool to instil a sense of responsibility in children.

Some traders had also complained about the waste in the stock of the white shoes should the ruling be implemented from next year.