Sexist BN reps will be dropped

Teh Star OnLine news:
Friday January 16, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional elected representatives, particularly those from Umno, who utter sexist remarks and behave in an unparliamentary manner, will be “sacrificed” in the next general election.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the party did not want to lose in the next polls.

“I will remind our Whip to issue the reminder to all our representatives,” he said after accepting a memorandum from Wanita MCA at Parliament House yesterday.

Nazri said he would pursue the matter with both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara Speakers next week.

“I hope that members of the Parliamentary Select Committee will also file a motion to discuss this,” he said.

Wanita Chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said it wanted an amendment to the Parliamentary Standing Orders and other corresponding rules in the state assemblies by including a prohibition against these remarks and behaviour as well as to suspend those uttering such statements without pay.

“MCA MPs and state assemblymen will stand up and object strongly if such sexist remarks were made in the House,” she said.

Among others, the memorandum called for the suspension of between two and six months without pay or allowances for elected members who fail to adhere to the prohibition, with heavier penalties for repeat offenders, and compulsory orientation and gender sensitive courses.
Speakers will also be tasked to issue a stern warning against these remarks and behaviour at the beginning of each session.

The memorandum was supported by 12 NGOs.