Come as you are

I wish to refer to an article entitled "Melting Pot" by Mao Ning that appeared on September 13 in the China Daily. I take note of the writer's interest in exploring Penang and appreciate her praise for an island city of Malaysia that has been referred to as "The Peal of the Orient".

I wish, nevertheless, to categorically deny the misperception that the Embassy of Malaysia imposes a specific dress code on visitors to its visa section. To put the record straight, there is no such rule or regulation imposed by the embassy. The role of the visa section of the Embassy of Malaysia is to facilitate Chinese nationals who wish to travel to Malaysia, for business or pleasure. The imposition of a dress code would be unimaginable, if not unthinkable for a country that welcomes Chinese nationals to visit. As the writer rightly indicated in the article, Malaysia is a thriving example of cultural diversity and harmony, which is very tolerant of cultures and practices, including food and dress. In fact, it is this diversity that makes Malaysia a melting pot that attracts tourists worldwide annually to come back for holidays.