THE Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) supports MP Kasthuri Patto’s proposal of two amendments to the Standing Orders of Parliament which would strengthen enforcement against sexist, racist and offensive remarks made by Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat. The recent racial and sexist remarks made by MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim towards Kasthuri were unacceptable.Gender-based attacks against women MPs and other politicians are not new. They represent a larger pattern of gender-based discrimination against women leaders and women generally – and serve to curb women’s political participation and freedom of expression.
Throughout the history of Parliament, when incidents of racism and sexism have occurred, there have been no serious consequences for the offender. The MP is simply told to retract his statement and make an apology, with no further repercussions. Kasthuri’s proposal to amend the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat under the Rules of Debate, Section 36, would help remedy this culture of impunity.
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