Women join forces against Bung Mokhtar's sexist remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: About 50 demonstrators protested outside of parliament against Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin's (BN-Kinabatangan) sexist statements in the Dewan Rakyat and the speaker's inaction on the matter.
Led by Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR-Ampang), the group demanded that Bung Mokhtar come out from Parliament to face the music and apologise to all the women who are present.
"This is the fifth or sixth time he has uttered sexist remarks in the house and yet no action has been taken against him so far, enough is enough," Zuraida told the crowd.
Coincidentally, Dewan Dakyat deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee's official car was passing at the moment which led the protesters to berate him.
"He (Ronald) is the one who let Bung Mokhtar off this time, we are all disappointed with him as he did not want to take action and this will only embolden him (Bung Mokhtar) further. So much for parliamentary reform.
"Real men care about women, and Bung Mokhtar is not a real man. He taints the Parliament through his actions and should not be allowed in the house," she said.
Joining Zuraida was P. Kasthurirani (DAP-Batu Kawan), who urged the women of Kinabatangan and Sabah by large to show their disapproval and hold their MP accountable for his actions.
Kasthurirani also said this reflects the quality of BN MPs and urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to take responsibility of his colleagues' actions.
Showing solidarity with those present, Wong Chen (PKR-Kelana Jaya) urged all male MPs from all political divides to stand with the women who have been offended by Bung Mokhtar's statements.
"Women hold up half the world and Bung Mokhtar owes all Malaysian women an explanation and an apology. It is important for members of parliament to show respect towards women as it reflects the entire nation," Wong said.
Hanipa Maidin (PAS-Sepang), too, was among the crowd, who said Bung Mokhtar's behaviour in Parliament is unacceptable and urged him to apologise.
Others present include Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah (PAS-Kuala Terengganu), Fuziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan), and Taman Medan assemblyman Haniza Talha.