A Sabah Umno leader, who caused an uproar by quoting a proverb by Confucius about rape at a recent seminar for women, has apologised for his action.

Kota Kinabalu Umno division pro tem head Roselan Johar Mohamed said his remark was either misconstrued or misinterpreted.

"I did apologise for the remark. It could be in bad taste but I did not mean for it to sound like that," he was quoted as saying in a local daily's report.

Participants at Saturday's Legal Literacy Seminar for Women were stunned when Roselan said among others that "if you cannot fight rape, better lie down and enjoy it".

Roselan claimed the particular phrase was a proverb he took from Confucius.

"Please accept my humblest apology," he said as women organisations in Sabah expressed outrage over the remark.

The Umno leader said sexual crimes were heinous acts and he shared the belief that the offences warranted stiff punishment.

Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, who expressed sadness over the remark, said he would advise Roselan to be more cautious in future.

Walkout staged

At the seminar, several women staged a walkout after Roselan made the remark.

Many participants, including Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Azizah Mohd Dun, expressed disgust over the statement.

"It was of bad taste..not only to women but to society as well," said Azizah.

Also critisising Roselan was Sabah Umno Wanita chief Dayang Mahani P Ahmad Raffee, who said the remark was uncalled for and that rape was not an issue to be joked about.

Certain quarters also called for his resignation as they felt his conduct was unbecoming of a leader.

Amdee Sidik is malaysiakini 's Sabah-based stringer.