MPs may be banned from making sexist remarks during Dewan Rakyat proceedings, if Standing Order 36(4), which governs the conduct of parliamentarians, is amended.

NONE "MPs should know that it is now an offence. They should now be more careful," warned Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz ( left ) at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

The current rule reads: "It is an offence for members of the House to use impolite (rude) language."

The amendment seeks to include the phrase "or make sexist statements" at the end of the sentence.

The amendment was decided by the bipartisan House Committee at a meeting last November and was tabled for first reading in the House today.

Nazri said that it will be debated tomorrow.

'Need to put brakes'

Asked who will decide what is deemed sexist, he said this will be left to the speaker's discretion.

Under Standing Order 36(4), those found to have made sexist statements can be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for censure and further action.

Nazri said that, based on his research, Malaysia is the first country to have such a parliamentary regulation, which is being put in place to "protect the honour of women".

Quizzed why the amendment is only being tabled now despite being decided last year, he said that this is to allow for full discussion.

Furthermore, he said there have been many such incidents of late.

"We need to put a brake on it."

There has been a public outcry over recent sexist remarks by MPs and state assemblypersons.