Syerleena: MPs should maintain high conduct, avoid sexist remarks

MPs should maintain themselves to a higher standard of conduct as public representatives, said DAP lawmaker Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

The Bukit Bendera MP condemned the use of sexist remarks by lawmakers, stating that it is offensive and perpetuates a culture of discrimination and inequality.

Her comments came after Langkawi MP Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah made an allegedly lewd remark in the august house last week when he invited Seputeh MP Teresa Kok to visit Langkawi’s beaches “wearing nothing”.

“When MPs who are the elected representatives and lawmakers exhibit or tolerate sexist behaviours, it sends a detrimental message to the public. It suggests that gender-based discrimination is acceptable or, worse, inconsequential.

“This not only tarnishes the integrity of the parliamentary institution but also perpetuates a culture where women's voices and contributions are undervalued in the political arena and beyond.

“In Malaysia, where diverse cultures coexist and progress is continuous, allowing sexism to fester in its highest governing body is a step backwards in the nation's journey towards inclusivity and respect for all citizens,” Syerleena (above) said in a statement today.

Sexism in Parliament

Syerleena added that sexism in Parliament may discourage women from participating in politics, either as elected officials or as engaged citizens, due to a perceived hostile or unwelcoming environment.

Langkawi MP Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok

Suhaimi made the invitation for Kok to visit Langkawi’s beaches “wearing nothing” when the latter asked him if visitors to Langkawi beaches are allowed to wear shorts.

"I especially want to invite YB Seputeh to come wearing nothing," he said, to groans and laughter from other members of the house.

He later defended his “invitation” claiming that Kok had asked him a provocative question to “trap” him.

Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman and Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng have since referred Suhaimi to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee since making the remark.

At a press conference today, Kok again denied that she was being deliberately provocative and that her question was based on Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing’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 Kedan Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor denied any such ban in Langkawi.

Meanwhile, Batu MP P Prabakaran said Suhaimi’s remark showed his maturity.

He also called on MPs in the opposition bloc to support the motion to refer Suhaimi to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee.