Tajuddin fumes over sexist MPs remarks

20 Jul 2022 04:38pm

The heated situation involving Tajuddin and the opposition members in the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 14th Parliament at the Parliament Building on Wednesday. Photo: BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR – The discussion in Dewan Rakyat this morning gets heaty as debate involving sexist issues takes place between Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak-BN) and several opposition MPs.

The commotion began when Tajuddin interrupted Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN) as the latter debated the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021, with a prior statement which alleged him of being sexist.

"You (opposition MPs) are trying to show that we (government MPs) have a bad image. It's like we don't have self-respect," he said.

Tajuddin referred to the statement made by Teo Nie Ching (Pulai-PH) that linked himself, Baling MP Datuk Seri Azeez Abdul Rahim and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Moktar Radin as sexist and made frequent sexual harassment remarks toward female MPs.

Not wanting to let the dispute continue, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon ordered Tajuddin to calm down and let Azalina continue her speech.

However, RSN Rayer (Jelutong-PH) stood up and questioned Rashid’s action who he claimed was still being tolerant with Tajuddin’s antiques, which was less firm compared to when he expelled Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud-Warisan) on Monday.

"The Kota Belud Speaker (MP) was expelled, this kind of temperament (from Tajuddin) why not kick him out?" Rayer urged.

"Why are you challenging the Speaker? Why provoke the Speaker?" Tajuddin shouted.

Defending his stance, Tajuddin said the accusations made on him and the two other MPs as sexist were not true.

"They do not know who we are, how we defended the women's pride especially women in Umno.

"You can ask them, the problems are DAP women with their indecent behaviour and obscene mouths," he added.

The 'drama' lasted for 30 minutes but it was later dissolved by Rashid.

"I order Pasir Salak (Tajuddin) not to repeat (the matter) and I ask Kota Samarahan to continue this debate," he said after being urged by opposition MPs, especially Rayer.

The discussion on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 continues with the Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan-GPS) debate session.