Report on ‘Sexist’ Remarks by Australian MP
Pressure on ’sexist’ Australian MP to resign - Last Updated 03/05/2007, 12:08:21
I came across this report while surfing online to find out if sexist remarks are often made by politicians. It happened in Australia recently. An apology was tendered by the said MP.
Of course, the facts were different, comparing to the remarks and location it was made by the two Malaysian MPs recently.
I am writing this piece not because I want to lobby for support that the said Australian MP to resign. It is up to the voters in Australia to decide.
I have been receiving mixed respond from the public. Some said, I should pursue for an apology for myself and call for both be suspended because the manner the issue was handled would leave a negative impact to the society. While others think that I should focus on other national issues and not “waste time” to pursue further on the sexist remarks.
If both BN MPs refused to apologise to me, I cannot force them, right? It is up to the voters to judge them.
It is about respect for women. If this issue is treated lightly, as if it is not as important as other national issues, (because it is concerning women or a mere joke or about Fong Po Kuan) I am afraid, women in this country will not be treated with respect in other matters too.
The political system is dominated by men. All we wanted is to ensure that we, as woman be treated with respect, fairly and not be discriminated. The nation will not be able to progress if half of its population ie women are not treated as equal partner in the society.
For example, when a wife is beaten up by the husband, I have experienced a policeman asking the wife why did the husband beat her up? That was the first question directed at her. As if, there can be a reason for a man to beat up the wife!
Last week, a top policeman of a police station said this to me, - ” it is a family misunderstanding, personal life matter and I will not understand because I am not married!” The neighbour told me that the husband chased after the wife with a parang!
When the woman in your family is not treated fairly or given equal protection by law, it is inter-related to this act of no respect for women.
It is a given fact, that many Muslim men do not attach value to non-Muslimas, other than for obvious purposes.
They seldom show respect for non-Muslim women in Western countries, for instance.
Moreover: Given the often childish attitude of even those Malays who managed to gain positions in society, their behaviour does not surprise me in the least.
I am not sure whether you will be permitted to have my posting on your web-blog; yet I just wanted you to know that there are people in the world who agree with you.
Comment by ForRos — May 25, 2007 @ 9:59 am
me say:-
” I should pursue for an apology for myself and call for both be suspended because the manner the issue was handled would leave a negative impact to the society.”
- agree but the parliment dominated by BN will not allow a motion by DAP to stand.
“While others think that I should focus on other national issues and not “waste time” to pursue further on the sexist remarks.”
- disagree. you can multi-task, make some noise while still serve the nation although I still think the BN dominated parliment will not do the right thing as long as a right suggestion comes from opposition sources
There are always 2 sides to a coin - people may think you are determined and persistant; some would think you are too petty and cannot let go and trying to score points. I would say that in this case, you have push it as far as it can get and the BN has showned it is flexible to the extend of apologising for the sake of getting the voters back and not because of a matter of principal of fairness among sexes. It is about not losing out to DAP that is most important to BN. They may allow debates and exchange of ideas, but only among themselves.
Just wonder, if the table was turn and you mentioned something else “leaking” and it is directed to the biological function of the 2 esteemed gentlemen, would they react the same way?
Comment by Lee Wee Tak — May 25, 2007 @ 10:04 am
but YB, of course you won’t stoop so low….it’s just a hypothetical assumption…sorry first, hor (see I can apologise, why can’t they)
Comment by Lee Wee Tak — May 25, 2007 @ 10:41 am
The above matter must be pursuit.
The such behaviour from Parliament must be highlighted to all.
Not just to expose such sexist but also to shows the INACTION/INCOMPETENCY of aab and his deputy najib.
You have our supports,Po Kuan.
Fight it on
Comment by johanssm — May 25, 2007 @ 6:24 pm
Yes, a sexist remark taken lightly indicates the level of importance accorded to women’s rights in this country, which unfortunately, is very low. I think you should just let the matter rest. I don’t think pursuing it would change anything.
Comment by Marius — May 29, 2007 @ 2:35 am
Dear Ms.Fong,
Thank you for your determination.
In pursuing the matter is not just on the issue per say but to expose/inform the prople, the nation & the world as the kind of attitude & arrogance & the deterioration of values from members (MPs) of our current Government despite ruling for the last 50 years. We all should learn from the past and showing more support by voting more members of the opposition to the Parliament so that their voice (reprsenting our voice) are not drowned by the hooligan behaviours of the backbenchers from the ruling parties.
Therefore,I would support you in pursuing the matter (although we know that it is not going to be an easy task, with their usual delaying tactics to frustrate and cover-up any of their wrong-doings)
As to your worry that whether these men will have any respect/regards for women in general, I would say that they are too “High & Mighty” that even the Law can be disregarded, what more about the women????
That is why, around the world, Malaysia is known for its “Malaysia Boleh Syndrome” not because of its determination to achieve greater heights but “anything can be settled with the right connections” (morally or not).
“We Salute You and All Members of DAP!!!” for being the check & balance of our Government for the people of Malaysia. Without you, soon in years to come, Malaysia will be in the same scenario as of Indonesia, today.
Comment by rae — June 10, 2007 @ 4:34 pm