BY NURIN PATRA & NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: From offices to the highest lawmaking institution, the struggle against workplace sexual harassment and sexism echoes even in Malaysia’s highest lawmaking body.
In a statement by Lawyer Kamek, concern was raised over a recent incident in the Dewan Rakyat involving Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who quipped, “Pull the mic closer, when it’s far away it sounds very sexy” (tarik mic dekat sikit, bila jauh dengar seksi sangat) during Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s winding-up speech.
The remark however drew laughter after Fadhlina responded, “Tan Sri Speaker, my husband is watching this live.”
Lawyer Kamek stressed that while humour has its place, Parliament is not the stage to downplay sexism.
“The Speaker carries the responsibility of setting the highest standards of decorum.
“A light remark, even in jest, risks trivialising the seriousness of sexist conduct faced by women lawmakers,” it said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 21).
Lawyer Kamek stressed that women MPs and all elected representatives deserve dignity and respect in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Sexist language has no place in our democracy, and the Speaker must enforce the rules firmly and consistently, not with inappropriate humours that may undermine confidence in the institution.
“This is not the first time women MPs have faced sexist remarks in the august house. Despite recent amendments to parliamentary rules, the Speaker himself is now the perpetrator of such a comment.”
The Speaker was called to issue a public apology and reaffirm his commitment to treating sexist and derogatory remarks with the seriousness they deserve, ensuring Parliament is a space of respect, free from gender-based ridicule and publicly reassuring Malaysians that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The Dewan Rakyat should reflect the values of equality and respect that Malaysians
expect. The dignity of the House must never be sacrificed for a laugh,” Lawyer Kamek said.
