Sexist Remarks - What is the decision of Cabinet?
This afternoon my phone was flooded with calls and sms. The media wanted to confirm with me if the two sexist BN MPs did apologise to me. Of course, the next question was if they did, would I accept the apology.
I told the callers that I did not get any calls from the two. Secondly, if they did apologise, I need to find out what exactly they said before I could further comment.
In fact, I was more concern with the decision of the Cabinet.
Later I was informed of many “conflicting versions” . Why so?
Two chinese newspapers night edition also reported differently. One reported, they apologised. Another reported that they withdrew their apology. Malaysiakini reported that they denied making any apology.
I am equally confused like you, readers.
Like I said earlier, I was waiting for the decision of the Cabinet. Sharizat did raise the matter in Cabinet and the decision , according to the news report, she is now ” be given the mandate to follow up on the issue.”
So, what is the decision of the Cabinet, I asked myself? Why did the Cabinet refuse and reluctant to decide on it? Is it because it is seen as a women issue, as such, it is best left to the Minister in charge of Women’s affair to “follow up” ? What do you mean by “follow up on the issue”? It has given me the impression that the Cabinet has taken lightly the said sexist remarks.
I would like to stress that I am glad that Sharizat kept her words and spoke up in Cabinet but I would like her to disclose to us, on what ground the Cabinet decided to not to decide on the issue and let her “follow up on the issue”?
This issue should not be taken as an issue affecting women only. The remarks made by the two BN MPs have shamed all Malaysians, including men. It has damaged the name of the august House. It has caused embarrassment to Malaysia internationally.
I can’t agree more. And what makes me sick is the statement made by Nazri on the newspapers to NOT apologize to you specifically, Po Kuan.
Nazri, Najib and the bunch of MPs’ who stood behind the statement of not apologizing to you lack the fundamental element a man is made of. Coming from the perspective of a man myself, I find the gesture utterly disgraceful. This is what I would term the missing balls syndrome.
Po Kuan, keep up the good work.
Comment by lame basket — May 17, 2007 @ 9:42 am
The only reason they do not and I think will not say sorry is that they have the notion that BN / UMNO cannot kalah to DAP in any competition.
To progress, we must agree to disagree and listen to what is being said and not who said it.
“Just because I don’t like you, I won’t listen to you, eventhough you are right.” - this kind of attitude has no place in a civilised and developed world. Good ideas come from all quarters. To reject opinion based on affiliations is a backward mentality. I find myself on many occassions agree with the people I privately dislike. The truth is bigger than my ego.
Per Najib, MP cannot vote with own mind but must follow party direction - so even if any male/female MP privately disagree with the Bung and the Mata Satu, they also cannot say out.
Comment by Lee Wee Tak — May 17, 2007 @ 1:15 pm
I think all of them in BN who supports the disgusting statement should be kicked out from the parliament. They are poor excuse for malays and muslims.
Comment by Fariz — May 17, 2007 @ 8:58 pm
stumbled upon your blog. always thought you’re a fiery speaker based on the limited clips i watched on youtube.
anyway, the meaning of an apology does not lie in the words… it lies in the heart of the person who’s apologising.
Comment by zewt — May 17, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
From Perlis to Sabah, I hope Malaysians will understand the issues clearly. We have serious integrity issues in our legislative body. Not just that BN MPs are becoming very desperate to steamroll the opposition and this has led to this issue. Hence, I hope Malaysians will stand up and say their piece of mind.
Comment by Jeffrey Chew — May 17, 2007 @ 10:42 pm
What is better than wisdom? Woman. What is better than a good woman? Nothing.
-Geoffrey Chaucer.
Comment by Jim — May 17, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
I wonder how the Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Y.B. Datuk Seri Shahrizat will handle the case when she meet the two MPs. From what had happen within the past few days, even if both of them are apologize for what they did, it is not the option anymore. They should face the consequences "SACKED".
As per the "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women" adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly and being accession by Malaysia on 5 July 1995. I believe their act can be consider as "SEXUAL HARASSMENT"
What is
Sexual
Harassment ?
The EEOC has defined sexual harassment in its guidelines as:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other VERBAL or physical
conduct of a sexual nature when:
· Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive working environment.
Unwelcome Behavior is the critical word. Unwelcome does not mean "involuntary."
Therefore, sexual conduct is UNWELCOME
whenever the person subjected to it CONSIDERS IT UNWELCOME.
Source: Preventing Sexual Harassment (BNA Communications, Inc.) SDC IP .73
1992 manual
Sexual harassment includes many things…
· Unwanted sexual looks or gestures.
· Unwanted sexual teasing, JOKES, REMARKS or questions.
· Sexual comments.
· Turning work discussions to sexual topics.
· Asking about sexual fantasies, preferences, or history.
· Sexual comments about a person’s clothing, anatomy, or looks.
Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are LEGALLY BOUND to put its provisions into practice.
p/s: This is not the first time the Kinabatangan MP making such kind of statement in the Parliment, so there is not escape for him to be sacked.
Comment by Justice Knight — May 18, 2007 @ 12:30 am
What the heck is wrong with Nazri’s brain? Can’t imagine our MPs are stooping so low when debating, that they can’t argue intellectually with intelligence, but have to resort to crude languages.
They were joking? How about some guys making a sexual pass on their female family members, all in the name of jokes? And if their family members were to complain, they should just reply, “Biarlah, gurau aje. Jangan sensitif sangat!”
What a load of nonsense.
Comment by Mel — May 18, 2007 @ 4:00 pm
hi Mel,
I have long given up expectation of logical and fair opinion from our Law Minister, the esteemed Nazri.
Comment by Lee Wee Tak — May 18, 2007 @ 6:47 pm
Maybe it is just alike somebody always said ‘ WA SALAH LU MAI GONG’ ( Do not try to criticise me when i did something wrong)
Comment by XUEX WONG — May 18, 2007 @ 9:51 pm
It’s not about Parliamentary debates, it’s not about party orders, but it’s about the fundamentals of being a civilized human being. Regardless of political affiliation,everyone must strive to be a better person.I am pro-Barisan, and yet I cannot comprehend the lackdaisal attitude adopted by the Cabinet over this issue.I, on this issue at least, side with Batu Gajah.
do drop by http://undergrounduate.blogspot.com
Comment by sikapitan — May 18, 2007 @ 10:17 pm
Po Kuan,
I heard the Jasin MP said he would not apologise to you unless you are a woman! This after his meeting with Shahrizat. I was most disappointed this coming from a lawmaker and a BN one too.
Comment by John — May 19, 2007 @ 11:13 am
They even claim that they responded because all the DAP MPs were standing. I thought Karpal Singh could stand now.
Lies and damned lies.
Comment by Emak Teruk — May 19, 2007 @ 11:25 am
Even when they apologise on 18th of May, I am plain irritated by the excuse given by MP of Kinabatangan “DAP has caused it!”.
Just a very simple principle: if people are unhappy/dissatisfied with a present situation, of course they will bring the matter up! Just answer within your means will do. A slip of your tougue will cause exponential damage, mind you.
I would like to say to the two MPs not to blame on others, esp. the opposition. Instead, take 100% responsibllity and ownership of the problem caused. That’s what I’d like to see.
Comment by BioLovepulse — May 19, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
Poh Kuan - as a 100% man and a thoroughbred Malaysian let me apologise to you for the remarks made by the 2 MP’s - as I know it takes a 100% man to do it - these 2 guys who seem to have lost their langsats cannot be expected to apologise to you - coz you are too intimidating to their effiminate personalities.
Comment by George — May 19, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
What has happened to plain old civility where we were taught as young kids to apologize when we do something wrong?
Comment by Marius — May 20, 2007 @ 1:34 am
YB, saw your performance on RTM2, good job to protect women out there!but a bit too politicalize for me, on this issue..anyway, you just done what you should. bravo !
Comment by Vic — May 20, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
I just can’t understand why such a word would be coming out from the both BN’s MP, even a primary student will know that’s wrong. I feel sad and disappointed why these two moronic maniac would be chosen to fight over us in parliament. This is neither the first nor second time. They should voice to gain respect rather than voice out some irrelevant rubbish. Anyway, go go go YB Poh Kuan. We Malaysian are watching you.
Comment by Seng Koon — May 21, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
Another sexist remark made by those BN MCPs > never ending list of little (deleted) >>>
http://notsoincredible.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/of-men-and-little-dickies/
Comment by notsoincredible — May 23, 2007 @ 12:55 pm