The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) Youth movement has demanded Gerakan suspends its Kedah Youth chief Tan Keng Liang over remarks which allegedly discriminates women.

Tan had come under fire from several Pakatan Rakyat leaders and netizens after he passed a remark on Subang Jaya state assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh’s pregnancy.

CCM Youth secretary Daniel Chai said Tan’s remarks on micro-blogging site Twitter were “discriminatory and disrespectful” to Yeoh and all Malaysian women.

Chai said the insulting remarks went against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s efforts to acknowledge the important role of women in the workforce, which include the extension of fully-paid maternity leave from 60 days to 90 days in the civil service.

“The Kedah Gerakan Youth Chief had attacked a fundamental right of Malaysian women by stereotyping them,” Chia said in a statement.

“CCM Youth is saddened that after 53 years of independence, there are still incompetent politicians who cling on to archaic views that women do not have the abilities and potential for developing professional and even political careers, while taking on multiple roles as wife and mother.

“CCM Youth reiterated that motherhood is God’s gift to be respected at all times.”

'Tan needs etiquette training'

Apart from suspending Tan from all official party positions, CCM Youth are also demanding that he issue a public apology to Yeoh and all Malaysian women and call on the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to train all political party cadres in proper media etiquette and women’s rights.                        

On Sunday during a Twitter discussion, Tan sparked much protest when he posed the question: “Would you choose Jessica Lai or Hannah Yeoh who will be on maternity leave soon?"

Lai is the MCA Beliawanis treasurer and is tipped to contest against Yeoh in the next general elections.

The Sun editor R Nadeswaran shot an angry reprimand following Tan’s remark, describing his comments as “disgusting” and “out of order”.

"Wasn't your mother pregnant with you? What about your wife?" wrote Nadeswaran.

Tan also faced a barrage of attacks from Yeoh’s Pakatan Rakyat colleagues, with Selangor exco members Elizabeth Wong and Teresa Kok and Teratai assemblyperson Jenice Lee.