'PKR wouldn't have reps calling others kucing kurap'

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said if any of his party representatives were to use the term 'kucing kurap' on junior officers, they would be strongly reprimanded.

Anwar said it is demeaning to use the word although Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi may have meant it differently.

"Sometimes in a multiracial society, certain sensitivities (in people) may be lacking," Anwar said when met at the launching of Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Afif Bahardin's service centre in Tingkat Siakap 3, Taman Siakap.

"In Malay, the term 'kucing kurap' is really insulting to the lowest rank of society," he added.

"It also means a diseased cat and should not be used against the lowest," he said.

Anwar was referring to Ooi's remark on Nov 16 when the two-term MP was angered when low-ranking Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) workers met him over his complaints on illegal hawkering in Jelutong.

Ooi's comment irked several quarters, including state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow and PKR Nibong Tebal MP and state PKR chief Mansor Othman.

Chow told Ooi his statement against MPPP was unfair, while Mansor said he should retract his remark as it was disrespectful.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng also said Ooi, his former chief of staff, should listen to Chow as his comment reflects that of the state government and party.

'Ooi should apologise'

On Wednesday, four workers' unions representing 2,000 workers, including those in the council, demanded Ooi to apologise and retract his remark but the latter has refused.

Anwar said Ooi (left) should explain himself if he did not mean to insult the officers.

Ooi had defended himself saying he grew up in a kampung and was familiar with the term, which he meant as 'small fry'.

Anwar meanwhile said, "I (once) used a vulgar Hokkien word before before knowing what it meant. When I found out I quickly apologised.".

"He (Ooi) may have grown up with the word, but to the public it is a very demeaning word."

Asked if Ooi should apologise for his remarks, Anwar said, "Yes, he should."