KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmakers today lashed out at Umno’s Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for his sexist and rude remarks directed at Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.
Labelling Tajuddin a “sial MP who got away with so many stupid statements” Amanah’s Khalid Samad said it was clear that Tajuddin was being rude when he stated that Kok was the only female MP with a “Kok”.
Khalid, who is the Shah Alam MP, said that despite wearing a “songkok” , Tajuddin’s actions were unIslamic and did not reflect the Malay culture.
When asked about Tajuddin’s challenge to fight him outside the Dewan Rakyat after being labelled “sial MP”, Khalid said: “I don’t want to be charged with murder or sent to jail for hitting a government MP.
“If he takes back his words then I will take back my ‘sial’ word.”
Khalid said he was also upset that the Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker did not demand that Tajuddin, who is the agriculture and agro-based industry deputy minister, retract his remarks.
Meanwhile, Kok suggested the Prime Minister sack Tajuddin for making such a remark.
PAS’ Mahfuz Omar also weighed in on the controversial remark, saying that as senior lawmaker, Tajuddin should display better character.
“He doesn’t deserve to enter Parliament if he can’t even answer questions,” the Pokok Sena MP said, alluding to Tajuddin’s failure to respond to a question about paddy farmers.
PKR’s parliament whip Johari Abdul said he was shocked that a deputy minister had challenged a fellow MP to a fight, stating it was “very embarrassing”.
A defiant Tajuddin meanwhile, claimed that Kok was disturbing him during the debate and insisted he did nothing wrong.
“Her name is Teresa Kok. What’s wrong with me calling her name? Does this justify Khalid’s calling me ‘sial’?
“If my parents were still alive, how would they feel if they had heard someone call their son ‘sial’? This is used to wish someone bad luck.”
Earlier today Tajuddin, who is the Pasir Salak lawmaker, was taken to task after he pointed to Kok and said she was the only woman with a ” Kok”.