The public outcry in response to the 'no action' attitude on the two MPs for their derogatory remarks alluding to the menstrual cycle that all women experience is clearly understandable.

Hence, Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Wong Kam Hoong's criticism over the two MPs recent statement in Parliament is laudable.

But the same cannot be said of the response given by our honorable deputy prime minister. If what the papers reported is accurate, then the DPM owes the nation a more serious explanation.

How on earth are we to interpret Najib Razak's reported statement that the MPs' offensive remark should be taken 'with a sense of humour'? And for the nation's number two to say that the rakyat are 'making a big meal out of this issue' is beyond belief.

In the first place, how could the two gentlemen who hold a public office as MP even think aloud in such derogatory terms? Do they not have the ability to decipher that the menstrual cycle that women experience is an integral part of creation and that it is not a matter to be 'joked' about but treated with serious respect?

And for our DPM to speak in defense of such totally unacceptable conduct leaves us agape in bewilderment.

Perhaps, the prime minister would do the nation proud and reinstate the lost honour by taking a stand on the issue and with urgency. Disciplinary procedures are undeniably most wanting. A strong message has to sink in soon - that there is no place for insulting, discriminating and sexist statements within and outside the august house of democracy.

If we fail to act in a timely and appropriate manner, then what else is going to stop our young from sliding even further down the social slope of values and ethical morality?

Indeed, this whole episode lays bear the true state of our fast bankrupting position of social capital, even within the hallway of Parliament. One then should not be surprised why the DPM is reported to come in defense of such behaviour and why it is taking us so long to plug the decline.

It is truly a sad and permanent stain on our long and arduous 50 years of history.