Langkawi MP Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah has defended his “invitation” for Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to visit the island’s beaches “wearing nothing”, describing it as a provocative answer to an allegedly provocative question.
Berita Harian also quoted the Bersatu lawmaker as urging his critics to not use the incident in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday as a way to gain publicity for themselves.
“By right, there are no parties who should be overly sensitive and, in fact, those who brought up the issue were not involved when the debate (in Parliament) happened.
“Actually she (Kok) asked a provocative question and wanted to ‘trap’ me, so my best approach is to also respond in a provocative manner,” Suhaimi told the Malay daily today.
Suhaimi, during his debate of the Supply Bill 2024, made the comment in response to Kok’s question on whether visitors to Langkawi beaches are allowed to wear shorts.
“The question on wearing shorts had also been answered repeatedly, including by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in response to Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing,” said the Kedah Bersatu chief.
Kok has denied she was being deliberately provocative and that her question was based on Tiong’s insistence that non-Muslim tourists to Langkawi have complained of being prohibited from wearing shorts and drinking alcohol.
Tiong’s statement last month came after Sanusi denied any such ban in Langawi.
Stirring the pot
Meanwhile, Suhaimi claimed that his response to Kok was made in a joking manner as a way to “invite a close friend to visit Langkawi”.
“Actually I have good relations with her (Kok), so my answer was in a joking manner, from a friend to another friend.
“Maybe the (other) party who raised the issue is more out to take advantage and try to get cheap publicity,” he claimed, in reference to Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman.
Young Syefura yesterday said she has referred Suhaimi to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for his “offensive and lewd remark” with alleged elements of sexual harassment against Kok.
The DAP Women vice-chief also said that Suhaimi's remark is in indirect contempt of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, criminalising unwanted sexual advances in all forms - verbal, non-verbal, visual, sign, or physical - targeted towards an individual. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.