Shame on you, Suhaimi

 

Trust the PN MP for Langkawi, Suhaimi Abdullah, to disrespect Parliament with his crass outburst against the MP for Seputeh, DAP’s Teresa Kok, during question time.

Kok had asked him a straightforward question if it were true that visitors to Langkawi’s beaches were allowed to wear shorts.

A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ would have sufficed, and there was little need for Suhaimi to be abusive with his retort, “I especially want to invite YB Seputeh to come wearing nothing”.

Some MPs laughed at his answer, but the MP for Kampar, DAP’s Chong Zhemin, urged him to retract his remark. However, the misogynistic Suhaimi felt emboldened enough to reply, “I forgot to say I would like to imagine how it would be if Seputeh came (to Langkawi) wearing nothing.”

Suhaimi and his peers who thought him funny provide us with a timely reminder of why Malaysians are repulsed by the quality and intellect of many of our MPs. Some are uncouth, and their boorish behaviour heaps shame upon themselves and their party.

Suhaimi showed the importance of the proverb ‘Manners maketh man’ in creating positive relationships and fostering a sense of respect and appreciation.

Presumably, Kok’s question had emanated from an earlier parliamentary answer by tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing, who on Sept 28 claimed that non-Muslim tourists to Langkawi had complained of being prohibited from wearing shorts and drinking alcohol on the island.

While Tiong had also used social media to express his reluctance to argue with Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor about the complaints, he nevertheless urged the MB to act on the complaints before they worsened.

Despite Sanusi’s denials concerning the allegations, he had invited Tiong to visit Langkawi and see for himself that what he was told was not true.

“He (Tiong) should come (to Langkawi) and see for himself,” Sanusi was quoted as telling FMT. “He should wear short pants in Langkawi and see if anyone will stop him.”

He also said Tiong can “drink as much as he wants” in Langkawi.

After Thursday’s parliamentary exchanges had caused an uproar among the MPs, many wonder which was worse – the howls of laughter and encouragement shown by the MPs who were amused by Suhaimi’s remarks, or deputy speaker Alice Lau’s failure to demand a retraction of the remarks, followed by an apology to Kok.

Lau’s response was most disappointing. Urging Suhaimi to stop wasting time was ineffective. Being firm with rude MPs is critical if we are to discourage disrespectful behaviour in the august House.

Does Suhaimi care that younger people may be reading reports of the parliamentary proceedings or watching his antics on the screen? Why don’t his peers stop him from making a fool of himself?

Some readers may remember how Suhaimi had related in Parliament in February the story of a woman who had invited him to her home, before taking off her blouse to show him her breast that had been severed by her drug addict son. Surely, there are better ways of stressing the importance of combating drug addiction among youths.

For too long, many in authority, including MPs, who belittle women have been left off the hook. Malaysians should not have to tolerate this type of behaviour. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.