PARLIAMENT A BN MP escaped censure for describing Kasthuriraani Patto (DAP-Batu Kawan) as 'worse than a pondan ' (worse than a transvestite), after the Dewan Rakyat was satisfied with his explanation that the sexist remark was not aimed at her.

This was despite Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia ruling that using the word ' pondan ' is unparliamentary.

The remark was made yesterday by Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (BN-Baling) when Kasthuri took part in the Budget 2016 debate.

DAP whip Anthony Loke (DAP-Seremban) made the complaint after Azeez hurled another inflammatory remark - ' balik Tong San ' (go back to T ong San ) at Chinese MPs today.

Tong San is a general term to refer to mainland China.

Loke cited Section 36(4) of the Parliament Standing Orders, which states that it is an offence for MPs to make rude or sexist remarks in the House.

"He had not retract his remark of ' balik Tong San '. The word is very sensitive to any community, especially the Chinese community in Malaysia," he said.

"He also called Batu Kawan (Kasthuriraani, photo ) ' pondan' (transvestite). Such sexist remarks should not have come out from the mouth of the chairman of Lembaga Tabung Haji. This is uncalled-for," Loke said.

Azeez, who is also an Umno supreme council member, retracted his ' balik tong san' remark unconditionally but refused to budge on the ' pondan ' jibe.

He explained that the sexist remark was not hurled directly at Kasthuri.

"Batu Kawan challenged us (in her debate). I stood up, I wanted to speak, but she said 'No'. Then I asked, 'Why are you afraid? You are worse than a pondan '," he explained.

"She challenged everyone like a thug from Kampung Dusun. And I won't allow a woman to challenge us. We are not cowards, so I stood up," Azeez said.

"Since she was the one who challenged, then (she should) allow us the opportunity to answer. But she just refused," he said, raising his voice.

"I understand, I understand," said Pandikar, calming the angry MP.

"I have heard his explanation and since the incident happened yesterday, thus I rule that he does not need to retract the ' pondan ' remark, but the word ' pondan ' is unparliamentary," Pandikar said.

Shouting match

Earlier, in winding up for the Home Ministry the debate on the Budget 2016, Azeez was interrupted by both Kasthuriraani and Jimmy Wong (DAP-Kota Kinabalu).

He then blurted out ' balik Tong San ' during a verbal fight which erupted between him and few MPs.

"I am speaking with the minister [...] who are you to protest […] Ah Pek, sit down[..] balik Tong San ," he said, with some of his remarks being drowned in the shouting that was going on.

The speaker, who did not understand the meaning of the term ' Tong San ', directed an explanation from Azeez.

Downplaying the racist remark, he said, “ Balik Tong San is merely a playful remark. When you say balik Tong San or balik India , they carry no serious meaning. It's just a joke."

In his ruling to declare ' balik Tong San ' and ' pondan ' as unparliamentary, the speaker said other words which carry similar derogatory meanings will no longer be allowed in the House.