Tasek Gelugor protesters ask Shabudin to quit

Voters in Tasek Gelugor constituency express disgust at their MP's statements concerning rape and child marriage which had been picked up by the international press.

BUTTERWORTH: About 50 protesters in Tasek Gelugor have demanded that the MP of the constituency, Shabudin Yahaya, be relieved of all positions since his contentious rape-then-marry statements in Parliament.

The protest, led by the chiefs of the women’s wings of Pakatan Harapan, lasted about 45 minutes, with speeches demanding Shabudin’s apology, resignation and sacking.

Protesters with placards gathered at the open carpark off Jalan Gelugor in Permatang Berangan before marching on to the nearby pasar malam.

Voters who turned up asked him to resign as MP. Others asked that he apologise for his remarks.

Muhammad Zakwan Mustafa Kamal, 20, of Permatang Berangan, said Shabudin should own up to his mistake and retract his statements.

“Shabudin’s statements have caused an emotional uproar among women. He should not have said what he said. I suggest that he says sorry.”

Thangaletchumi Ragavan, 50, of Pokok Machang, said she was still in shock at what Shabudin had said.

“I expect such a senior YB to give an educated answer on child marriage and such. I have a message for you, YB Shabudin: just do the honourable thing and resign.”

Penang Amanah Syariah and Dakwah bureau chief Ahmad Fahmi A Bakar

Penang Amanah dakwah and shariah bureau chief Ahmad Fahmi A Bakar said Shabudin, given his previous prolific roles in Islamic agencies, should have known better.

Fahmi said Shabudin’s claim that his views were allowed in Islam were incorrect as they were based on old “fiqh” (understanding).

He said Shabudin should be careful with his words as a shariah practitioner. FMT