Guan Eng: Mustapa's apology over sexist remarks refreshing
In a rare move today, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has commended International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed for apologising for making a wrong analogy that was deemed “sexist and insensitive” to women.
Mustapa was showered with brickbats when he described his new ministry building as an “ inexperienced virgin ”, while the “old building an old wife who is no longer exciting and is to be discarded”.
Lim said the Umno minister’s apology was “refreshing” at a time when his colleagues and pro-BN supporters “can act with impunity in making false, seditious and hate” speeches against Malaysians from minority groups.
Citing it as an example, Lim registered his disappointment that the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has declared “ no further action ” against the Taman Medan church protesters.
He was referring to some 50 protesters who gathered outside a church in Taman Medan on April 19, and demanded that its cross be removed as it was considered disturbing to Muslims.
Lim noted that at least five of the protesters were Umno members, including Abdullah Abu Bakar, the brother of inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar and former Petaling Jaya Selatan Umno Wanita chief Munaliza Hamzah.
He recalled that previously, the AGC also refused to charge Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali for an alleged threat to burn the Bible.
“The tardy action of the AGC in charging those aligned with the ruling government for actions against minority Malaysians but yet take immediate action against opposition leaders for criticising BN government leaders can only be described as double standard and selective prosecution,” Lim said in a statement.
He also cited another case involving Baling Wanita Umno chief and ex-deputy minister Mashitah Ibrahim who made a false and dangerous claim that a Chinese in Kedah burnt a copy of the Quran.
Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the police investigation findings had already been referred to the Attorney-General (AG) on Feb 5.
“However, 10 months later there is no response from the AGC, which remained inert and inactive – what type of professional performance is this?” Lim asked.
Mashitah had alleged on Nov 26 last year that the Chinese person had burned a copy of the Quran in Kedah when this was done by a mentally-ill Malay Muslim.
“For this reason, Mustapa’s humble apology for likening the new ministry building to an 'inexperienced virgin', has only shown not only his good character but a willingness to admit to mistakes,” Lim said.
Mustapa’s action is unlike Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who had “refused to account for his actions” in a dinner where turtle eggs were served, Lim said.
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