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'It's too short': M'sia MP’s cheongsam outfit for CNY criticised by online commenters
They suggested that her cheongsam could have been longer and for her to "cover up".
February 20, 2026, 12:17 PM
In a recent Instagram reel, Penang Member of Parliament (MP) Syerleena Abdul Rashid was seen visiting a school dressed in a knee-length cheongsam as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The video
The reel included prompts asking viewers to guess which school she was visiting and invited others to comment if they too wore a cheongsam for the festive occasion.
In her video, Syerleena emphasised that she celebrates all festivals in Malaysia and clarified that she was not compelling anyone else to wear similar attire, stressing that such choices are personal.
Footage from the visit showed her interacting warmly with students, including high-fiving them as she entered the school hall.
Some netizens asked her to “cover up”
While many viewers reacted positively, some social media users criticised the outfit’s cut and length.
Commenters suggested that the cheongsam could have been longer, while others urged her to dress more modestly while commenting “aurat”, which is the term for the parts of a woman that should be covered up.
Others even questioned what religion she was from, with individuals even expressing hopes that she would “receive guidance” to cover herself more fully.
Others praised gesture as example of unity
Despite the criticism, the reel also garnered significant support.
Her video has attracted over a thousand likes and hundreds of comments, with many praising her for embracing Malaysia’s diversity.
Supportive commenters described her attire as a positive example of cross-cultural appreciation and commended her leadership in celebrating festivals beyond her own ethnic background.
Others urged critics to mind their own business, stressing that faith and attire are deeply personal decisions and not for others to police.
Top images via syerleena.abdrashid/Instagram
