'I myself have used a VULGAR Hokkien word but I immediately apologized' - Anwar advises Jeff Ooi

"Kucing kurap" is an insulting word regardless who it is directed at, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said today in reference to a DAP lawmaker who had used the term against Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) staff.

The opposition leader said he would strongly reprimand any PKR member who uttered such a term against another.

He said the term would be offensive to anyone with even a basic knowledge of the Malay language, as it can be taken to describe someone as a diseased cat.

However, he said Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi should explain himself clearly if that was not what he meant.

"The term is demeaning but he could have meant it differently. He should explain to clear the air.

"In a multiracial society, sometimes there is a lack of sensitivity. I myself have used a vulgar Hokkien word without understanding what it meant but after I found out, I immediately apologised," he told reporters today after officiating at the opening of Seberang Jaya assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin's service centre in Taman Siakap.

Ooi reportedly made the infamous "kucing kurap" remark as he was unhappy with some MPPP officers who could not supply him with data on the illegal hawkers issue in the Jelutong market on November 16.

Ooi has since admitted that he said the words, which he was familiar with from a young age, but that he had only meant it to be similar to the English expression "small fry".

Although criticised and urged by various quarters, including his own Pakatan Rakyat colleagues, Barisan Nasional politicians and non-governmental organisations to apologise and retract the remark, Ooi has refused to do so.

Yesterday, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Ooi should listen to state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who had criticised Ooi earlier on Tuesday for his outburst against the MPPP.

Lim said Chow's comments reflected the party and the state government's stand on the matter.

Chow had earlier this week said Ooi's remark does not reflect the state government nor the party's view of the civil service. He said Ooi was also being unfair, telling MPPP president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail to quit if she could not perform better than her predecessors.

Chow was also quoted as saying that it was up to Ooi to apologise or retract his remark.