Opposition: Pandikar is protecting ‘foul mouth’ Tajuddin

PKR, DAP lawmakers condemn continued sexist, offensive remarks directed at opposition by BN MPs with no reproach by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin.

DEWAN RAKYAT

KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker today hit out at Parliament Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, claiming that the latter is protecting BN lawmakers who use provocative words in the August House.

In a press conference at the parliament lobby, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto expressed disappointment towards Pandikar for turning a blind eye at the constant insults hurled at female parliamentarians.

“Just now he (Pandikar) called me a liar in Parliament, and he said it was settled.

“What is settled? Is it merely a simple way out for the Speaker to protect an MP who has a foul mouth like Tajuddin Abdul Rahman?” she asked.

“Female parliamentarians are ridiculed in the Parliament and the Speaker is helping these MPs time and time again.”

She pointed out that in the past, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and she too, were called “pondan” (homosexual) by BN MPs.

“How long is this rubbish going to go on? This is the House of Representatives and we still get MPs who use such language.”

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar also expressed similar sentiments, pointing out that MP’s should be more sensitive towards gender equality.

“We are in 2016… there should be more sense and sensitivity towards women. All the MP’s are disgusted by what has happened yesterday,” Nurul Izzah said.

Yesterday, Tajuddin came under fire for insulting Seputeh MP Teresa Kok in the Dewan Rakyat by saying that she was the only woman with a “Kok”.

Tajuddin’s statement, which was regarded as “sexist”, also drew a response from Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who called the former a “sial” (damned) minister.

Batu MP Tian Chua said that the “Kok” remark by Tajuddin is very vulgar in nature and it had insulted the Dewan Rakyat.

“I’m asking the Speaker to take action and for all Malaysians to condemn any MP who insults women and the image of the government.”

Kasthuri urged the Pasir Salak MP, who is also agriculture and agro-based deputy minister, to immediately retract his words and apologise, as he had insulted every female MP as well as women who had voted for him.

“We hope that if Tajuddin is listening, please come back to Parliament to apologise and retract your statement.”

“He (Tajuddin) has not only insulted us, but also every woman MP from BN and his voters in Pasir Salak, too.” - FMT