De facto Deputy Law Minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin has apologised to BN's Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said over the sexist remark hurled at her in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
"My derogatory remarks against my friend, YB Pengerang (Azalina), were unnecessary and uncalled for," he said in a statement to Malaysiakini.
"Truth be told, I made a huge mistake. I should have not said that even in jest. It was a forbidden territory which I should have never trespassed in the first place. I have no excuse at all, and I sincerely regret (making the remark)," he said.
"Despite our political differences, I have always respected her as a friend. I have never ever imagined of making such ugly remarks against anyone, let alone against a friend.
"It was purely a mistake. I have no excuse, I plead guilty," he said.
In winding up the policy stage debate for Anti-Fake News (Repeal) Bill 2019 yesterday, Hanipa was reacting to Azalina's comment and made a provocative response questioning Azalina's gender.
"Like Pengerang lah, sometimes she looks like a woman, sometimes she looks like a man," he said in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
This was in response to Azalina, who had said: "I am wearing my spectacles. I want to see the deputy minister clearly as (he) sometimes looks small and sometimes looks big."
Hanipa had retracted his remark immediately after being instructed by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon.
Taking to social media, Azalina said: "Politicians who use ‘language of insults’ show a lack of character. Attacking women on appearance implies women are judged on appearance, not brains!!!"
Elaborating further, Hanipa said he read about Azalina's Tweet on this matter.
"In my view, she has every right to conclude that any person who makes such remarks normally belong to a low character category. Once again, I plead guilty to the said charge," he said on the statement.
"I would like to express my utmost regret to her by making such sexist remarks. I do hope she can forgive me. Sorry YB (Azalina)," Hanipa added.
In a text message to Malaysiakini, Azalina said she accepted Hanipa's apology.
"I accept his apology as an MP but certainly disappointed on his lack of decorum especially coming from a deputy minister.
"Any act of making sexist remarks on women should never be tolerated, regardless the members are from whichever side (of the divide), we can’t condone such attitude.
"Respect women and stop making all sorts of remarks and judgements based on their appearances," she said.
Azalina also called upon all lawmakers to cease making such remarks.
"Let this incident be the last," she added. - Mkini
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