Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun today instructed Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (BN-Baling) to retract his “gelap” (dark) remark yesterday against Kasthuriraani Patto (DAP-Batu Kawan) in the House.
Azhar, who yesterday declined to make a ruling on the matter, said he had reviewed the hansard of the incident and concluded that it was offensive.
“I have scrutinised the hansard on the remarks and I found that the words offensive. I wish to instruct Baling (MP) to apologise and retract the words,” said Azhar.
“I hope that other MPs will not repeat this,” he added.
In his reply, Abdul Azeez claimed he was referring to Kasthuriraani’s seat location instead of her personally.
“I will comply but allow me to explain the issue in my capacity as a lawmaker. I have no intention to call anyone dark.
“I sat at the same spot (opposition bench) for two years and we rarely caught the attention of the speaker. Yesterday, I said the place was ‘gelap’ (dark).
“It is important for the innocent people and netizens out there to know that I have no intention to call anyone dark,” he said.
“With this, I retract and apologise,” he added.
However, Kashturiraani protested, arguing that Abdul Azeez should not be let off the hook with just a mere apology.
She said Abdul Azeez was a repeat offender in the Dewan Rakyat with a few female lawmakers falling victim to his foul language.
The Dewan Rakyat session yesterday was suspended at 3.32pm after Azhar lost control of the house as lawmakers argued over Azeez’s “gelap” and “guna bedak” (“use talcum powder”) remarks.
After the apology, Kasthuri urged Azhar to take sterner action against future infringements.
“Despite his reasons, it shouldn’t have been said. The reason about the lighting aside, I believe there were other ulterior reasons, as he also asked me to use more powder.”
Not wanting to prolong the issue, Azhar urged the MPs to move on and continue with the question-and-answer session.
“Baling has apologised and let’s move on. I will take sterner action in future.”