LETTER | I refer to the Malaysiakini report White is out, black is in – minister announces new school shoe colour.

Gerakan has become smarter the moment the party is in the opposition. But I think that is beside the point here.

What Baljit Singh, the party’s legal and human rights bureau chief, said was indeed very true.

We have high expectations of our new education minister to focus on substantive issues instead of peripheral matters.

Why the colour of the shoes really? In certain countries, they don’t even have uniforms for school children. And here in the new Malaysia, we are concerned whether the shoes should be black or white. Did someone listen to Michael Jackson too much?

Do we have sufficient black shoes go around come early next year? Who will be these black shoe manufacturers? Will there be stringent specifications on these black shoes? Will there be “collusion opportunity” for profiteering?

Can the students choose any type of black shoes? Can they continue wearing white until the shoes are worn out or when the black shoes have become available?

Alas, I know Malaysia only too well. We made a decision quite simply but I don’t think we have ever thought through all the ramifications when it comes to implementation. I hope we know we are not talking about one thousand or 50 thousand pairs of black shoes here.

If we must change the colour, I hope there is a phase in and phase out stage. We must make sure stocks are available and prices are reasonable.

By the way, what about the colour of the socks? Right now, it is white shoes plus white socks. Come next year, will it be black shoes and black socks or black shoes and white socks?

Minister Maszlee, I am not trying to be funny. I am trying to help you to avoid unnecessary trouble or problems for the people.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.