Ibrahim Ali, How Low Can You Go?

Ibrahim said Muslim wives must be ready to satisfy their husbands on command. — file pic

by Dajmarizal Zolkipli

Eyebrows were raised, and this time around everyone suddenly realized that the Independent Member of Parliament who is also a leader in an NGO that champions Malay rights, Perkasa, has hit its new low. Ibrahim Ali in Dewan Rakyat suggested during the last week of parliament session that the high occurrence of extramarital affairs is the fault of "wives who neglect their responsibilities" to their husbands. The statement from the veteran politicians marks the latest inappropriate comment made by the Malaysian lawmakers towards gender-equality. Just when we thought Bung Moktar would be the last one who said the darndest things aboutwomen and sexuality in the parliament, another one spurred a statement that again highlights the Malaysian politicians and parliament for the wrong reason. The Fact That It Was Said in Parliament In the incident that took place in an institution where laws are made and amended, Ibrahim asked in a supplementary question during Question Time on what the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is doing about educating wives against being irresponsible. "There are times when husbands have urges but when they come home to their wives, they will say, 'wait, I'm cooking', or 'wait, I'm getting ready to visit relatives'. "In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husbands' demands," Ibrahim said. "Husbands driving home after work see things that are sexually arousing and go to their wives to ease their urges. "So much so there are husbands who go to private places to satisfy their urges and then videos are exposed... this is why I want a proper explanation as to whether wives understand their roles," he added. Ibrahim while making those remarks also took a potshot at a video clip showing a man resembling an Opposition leader with a sex worker. The motive for the question posted by the Pasir Mas MP is clear, to discuss on the better ways to harmonize married couples. But making such remarks to exemplify his question, it is clear that Ibrahim had pushed the wrong buttons. Ibrahim’s sexist remarks are not news to many. This coming from a man who previously suggested women have very strong sexual urges, which caused men to seek to marry more than one wives. And now, he claims that it was because women failed to satisfy the urges of their husbands that men commit adultery. It is appalling that Ibrahim had to put the blame of social ills and domestic problems squarely on women and sex. Ibrahim’s statement also marred his psychological mind game as he tries to take part on the ‘sextape’ bandwagon. It is anyone’s guess why the statement was made in the first place but it seems to me that Ibrahim’s statement was directed at Dr Wan Azizah who is now under pressure over her husband Anwar’s alleged involvement in the sex tape saga if not only to upset the women of Malaysia. Low Opinion of Women Ibrahim’s controversial statement was lambasted by female MPs namely Teresa Kok of Seputeh who was quick to respond to Ibrahim’s statement saying that he has a low opinion for women. This was followed by several women’s right NGOs that even labeled Ibrahim as a “male supremacist”. It’s not surprising that women and men alike were anguished by Ibrahim’s statement as it really addressed women as slaves when it comes to marital sex. Kok who is ahead in her fight against the sexist Ibrahim said, "From his statement, it is clear that he has a very low opinion of women. He expects women to present their bodies to their husbands on demand, regardless of how the women may feel, as though women are meant to be unfeeling sex slaves. Kok also pointed out that it is a crime even in marriages to force any sexual activity to be conducted. Something’s Got to Give or Someone’s Got to Go All over the world, we are faced with demeaning perceptions toward gender especially women. This has plagued us for ages but with modernization and globalization accelerating in every part of the world, societies have begun to believe in equalities and rights of women, kids and even animals. What Ibrahim said is obviously disrespectful and uncalled for especially in a parliament sitting and the public’s call for strict action to be taken against him must be fulfilled. Many had paid their price for their inappropriate remarks and it won’t be the first time for Malaysian parliament to take disciplinary action against an MP for uttering such insulting remarks. Andy Gray, legendary Sky Sports football caster and his fellow pundit, Richard Keys would be an example of a public figure pair who had to pay for their sexist remarks while on the job. Gray, 55, and Keys, 53, took the mickey out of female linesman Sian Massey ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match at Wolves on February this year. The famous pair later made uncharacteristic comments on a female lineswoman, Massey without realizing that they were being recorded by the TV crew. Ex Scotland star Gray, who didn't realize his microphone was switched on, said, "Can you believe that? A female linesman.” "Women don't know the offside rule." With Keys replying: "Course they don't. Somebody better get down there and explain." Gray and Keys even with their experiences and persona in esteemed Premier League were later shown the exit by their employer, Sky Sports. And their comments, though degrading to women, were arguably half as bad as compared to Ibrahim’s. Gray and Keys were questioning the ability of a female lineswoman in making offside calls while Ibrahim, on the other hand, was suggesting that women’s reluctance to have sex with their husbands is the cause the latter’s infidelity. Former Manchester United FC manager Ron Atkinson made a remark that proved to have killed his career in the media too. On 21 April 2004, Atkinson's stint in the media came to an abrupt end after he was urged to resign from ITV. Despite being a respected figure (he was football player, manager and then football pundit), ‘Big Ron’ was axed after he made a racist remark live on air about African-French Chelsea player Marcel Desailly. Believing the microphone was switched off, he said, "...he is what is known in some schools as a f**king lazy thick nigger". Although transmission in the UK had finished, the microphone gaffe meant that his comment was broadcasted to various countries in the Middle East. He also left his job as a columnist for The Guardian "by mutual agreement" as a result of the comment. Gray, Keys and Atkinson had lost their jobs for not knowing when to shut up but Ibrahim still gets to keep his. The Right to Be Angry Teresa Kok, NGO’s and Malaysian women (and men) have every right to be outraged by Ibrahim’s remarks. As an MP elected by the people, and a veteran politician at that, Ibrahim should have been aware that the Dewan Rakyat is no place for sexist remarks. Unless the conversation takes place during Happy Hour or at a mamak stall it’s still arguable for someone to joke around in such a manner. As a proud Malaysian he claims to be, he should have noticed that Malaysia and the rest of the world are fighting against gender bias and inequality and his remarks belittles the government’s effort to curb gender inequality and oppression against women. As a Muslim, he must also understand that Islam teaches its followers (including him) to respect and protect women as the men are the caliphs in this world who are ordered by Him to provide protection to their women. He of all people should also by now understand that the Malays have always been respectful to women. Ibrahim has yet to make an explanation regarding the remarks that he made and it is best for him to practice the art of shutting up. But with this country’s rich history of sexual and immoral misconducts involving politicians, Ibrahim’s shortsighted remarks might prove costly to his career when he has to woo female voters in Pasir Mas come next general election. Best of luck Datuk… - Malaysian Digest