Former Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has lauded Education Minister Maszlee Malik for his “far-sightedness” in looking to change the colour of school students shoes and socks.

“I don’t understand why some would criticise him. The colour of shoes and socks is actually important for the wholesome development of a student.

“It’s a pity that BN ministers had not conducted such studies in the past,” he said in a Facebook post today with some sarcasm.

He said he hopes the new government would also look into the colour of schoolchildren’s uniforms and school buildings.

The ex-prime minister was responding to a report by Utusan Online earlier today which quoted Maszlee saying that the ministry will soon decide on what colour socks students should wear after discussing it with stakeholders.

“We are well aware of the issue and will issue an official statement after discussions with stakeholders have completed,” he was quoted as saying.

He was reportedly responding to a query by the Bumiputera Retailers Association vice-president who demanded an explanation as to whether the white socks that were currently part of students’ uniforms would also be changed to black.

This is in view of the government’s plans to change shoe colours for schoolchildren’s uniforms from white to black and fully enforce this ruling in 2021.