This is the mail I sent to the Star, published on Sunday. It was heavily edited, but still published. If you are half as pissed off as I am about this, and can put a coherent sentence together, then write in as well. Even if it doesn't change anything, it helps good Malaysians out there know that they are not alone in their outrage.
To say that I was disappointed with the light slap on the wrist that the backbenchers in parliament got for the sexist remark would be an understatement of monumental proportions. Reading that article disgusted me and made me ashamed of being Malaysian. Many unbelievable things have been said in Parliament, but this one takes the cake for sheer lack of class and dignity. The thought that such people should represent my interests sends shivers down my spine. The fact that the statement was made at all should be bad enough, but to have the complaint dismissed based on technicality makes the whole situation seem like an attempt to sweep the problem under the rug.
The remarks by Datuk Seri Nazri then made it clear that some of our Parliamentarians are clueless about proper conduct. Play of words? An insult is an insult. If the 'play of words' was racist instead of sexist, it would have caused a huge uproar. Why does an insult that is sexist more acceptable than a racist one?
Letting this transgression go is going to set a very dangerous precedence for ignoring gender equality issues in this country. If a wakil rakyat can get away with insulting women that way, then everyone can.
5 comments:
Once quote by dr M, " "Use the ballot box to tell the 'rotten' government not all is well. Or blame yourselves for the government you deserved!" . It's great that at least u voiced out ur opinion. =) nice one.
The problem is that the opposition will NEVER win in an election. Why? The majority of the population thinks that PAS is total bullshit, especially the chinese who will NEVER support PAS. Malays generally think DAP is an ass, and Keadilan is insignificant.
Which means, the ballot box is useless. Besides, east Malaysia is strongly supportive of BN and they hold a far higher number of seats percapita than here in the west.
The other problem is that people forget. It takes death to galvanize malaysians to act, and even then, the hype only lasts so long. As long as the government acts goody two shoes a few months before the election, the majority will follow them.
*Korean dude upon hearing Malay`s special rights.
"WHAT!! this is the first time I heard an affirmative actions protecting the majority"
Malaysian screwed up policy and politician dated ages ago. This is not the first time stupid things came out from them either.
Precedences eh?
Your sentiment will not change the politician, but at least, I hope it gets to the people.
Archmagus, this post is not about being annoyed at BN. Sure, a lot of their important people defended the sexist statements, but the party as a whole is not the problem here. Its the mentality of the conservative Malaysians.
Alex, it has even less to do with Malay special rights. Lets not go there.
And Archmagus and kicking lemon, do I know either of you?
I was referring the the reply posted by Kicking lemon, since we (the voters) do actually contribute to the current government we are having.
Additionally, I missed Alex's point entirely. Seems to me like you're pointing out its because of their special rights that they cant get away with these kinda stuff.
And yes, you do know me. Unfortunately I want to keep this account annonymous. Although I've no doubt that you'd have several more specific guesses as to who I am.
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