Barisan Nasional (BN) backbencher Badruddin Amiruldin had to apologise in Parliament today for wondering aloud how long a particular opposition parliamentarian's marriage would last.

Yesterday, as Wong Nai Chee (BN-Kota Melaka) was debating on the Royal address and commenting on the high rate of divorce cases, Badruddin left the House in stitches when he said:

"I would like to ask Kota Melaka (Wong) who is familiar with divorce matters, how long do you think Batu Gajah's (Fong Po Kuan-DAP) husband can stand her?"

As it was towards the end of the siting, Fong, who is still single, could not immediately register her protest.

When the debates resumed today, the DAP leader urged the House to ask Badruddin to withdraw his statement which was unparliamentary and had hurt her feelings.

She said the Jerai MP had violated Standing Order 36 (6) and 36 (9) for imputing improper motives and questioning the conduct or character of a member of the House.

"I want him to withdraw his statement because it breached the standing order for questioning my personal matters and the remark contained bad intentions," she added.

Not malicious

Responding, Badruddin said the remark was not malicious and Fong "did not understand" his language.

At this juncture, Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) joined in and pointed out that the backbencher's remark could be deemed as sexual harassment.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) also objected, saying the remark violated Standing Order 36 (4) for using offensive language in the House.

After a few verbal exchanges, Speaker Ramli Ngah Talib instructed Badruddin to withdraw his remark but mentioned that it was made in jest.

"I am of the opinion that his remark was inappropriate but all of us know he always jokes in the House and we should take this in a casual manner," he said

A peeved Fong retorted that an apology alone would not suffice as she wanted Badruddin to regret making the remark. This prompted a few backbenchers to shout "so fierce" and "no apology".

Slip of tongue

However, Badruddin abided by the Speaker's ruling and tendered an apology.

"My remark that how long Batu Gajah's husband can stand her was a slip of tongue and I apologise," he said.

Yesterday, the Jerai MP told Fong she could " wear a bikini if she likes " when she disagreed with him on the issue of 'moral policing'.

Women parliamentarians have constantly reminded their male peers to be careful of using words that denote sexual discrimination or harassment.

During the last sitting, the sexual innuendo of 'big needle, small needle' had sparked off a furore in the House.