For many parliamentarians, particularly women in the august House, the announcement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz that Barisan Nasional MPs guilty of making sexist remarks could be dropped in the next elections is certainly long overdue.

According to report in the Star yesterday, Nazri said that Barisan MPs who behave in unparliamentary manner would be "sacrificed".

parliament gobind singh ban over nazri mistake 251108 04 He commented on the matter following a memorandum submitted by Wanita MCA chief Chew Mei Fun to amend the "Parliamentary Standing Orders and other corresponding rules in the state assemblies by including a prohibition against these remarks and behaviour as well as to suspend those uttering such statements without pay".

There was also a call for the "suspension of between two and six months without pay or allowances" for those who do not abide by the regulations and "heavier penalties" for repeated offences and offenders.

There were several occasions where some male parliamentarians had uttered derogatory remarks against their female counterparts.

In 2007, Barisan MPs Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) and former MP Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin), caused a storm when he passed comments regarding Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan's menstrual cycle during a debate over leaks in the Parliament building.

Much recently, Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman also made sexual innuendoes when interjecting Mujahid Yusof Rawa's (Parit Buntar-PAS) debate on Teo Nie Cheng's (Serdang-DAP) motion for a RM10 pay cut for Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

Below are excerpts from several MPs who support the call for sterner action against offenders and others who have reservations against the move.

Fong Po Kuan (DAP - Batu Gajah)

fong po kuan They have not been serious about these issues in the past ... the remarks were made when I was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1999, then again in 2004 and it happened again recently.

These MPs were already given advice on this in the past but I do not know whether they take it seriously as it has been repeated despite the advice.

I hope this is not merely 'lip service' or just a pledge to please voters or more specifically female voters.

Teresa Kok (DAP - Seputeh)

teresa kok I have no faith in Nazri's statement because I have already had enough.

MPs who made such statements in the past have been reprimanded, yet they repeated the offence and were even allowed to contest in the last general election.

I do not trust such a reform as these MPs are not gender sensitive.

Tajuddin Abdul Rah man (Umno - Pasir Salak)

tajuddin abdul rahman It was something that was said and done at the spur of the moment and already repented for.

When it has been resolved, why make it an issue? Wanita MCA should try to win back the people's support instead of working on this petty matter.

He (Nazri) is not the president of the party. Therefore, who is he to make such a statement, especially when the speaker has resolved the issue appropriately.

There are many other national issues to be concerned about ... I am fed-up of people talking about petty issues when there is a national crisis and leaders should be focussing on how to resolve it.

Gobind Singh Deo (DAP - Puchong)

gobind singh deo It is a step in the right direction but Nazri must be serious about what has been said ... because there was a lack of support for action on this in the past.

No doubt it comes a bit late but reassuring nonetheless that the government is serious in removing politicians who thread this line in future.

It is a good start and is something that we would support.

Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR - Ampang)

zuraida kamaruddin 010905 This is something we have been fighting for, since the time Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin roused the House when he commented over Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan's menstrual cycle.

Nevertheless, we are happy and support the move ... women have to be together in this matter as it is not a petty matter.

It is not something that should be ignored and reform is needed.

Yusmadi Yusoff (PKR - Balik Pulau)

yusmadi yusof I applaud and support Nazri's decision. At at the same time, it is not only about sexist remarks but there is a need for political education on gender sensitivity.

The comments passed in Parliament reflected the level of understanding of MPs regarding gender and there is also a need for human rights education.

I believe the minister will take a strong position on the issue and see it through.