A leading Australian politician came under pressure to resign today after calling a former state premier's Malaysian wife a "mail order bride", and pinching the bottom of a female journalist at a party.

New South Wales opposition Liberal Party leader John Brogden apologised for the slur and the pinching, along with the propositioning of another female journalist at a drinks function hosted by the Australian Hotels Association.

But former New South Wales premier Bob Carr, who resigned in July after leading the state for 10 years, rejected the apology and called for Brogden to be fired from his leadership position in the Liberal Party, which is headed by Prime Minister John Howard.

"I think that his apology is entirely unacceptable to Helena and that is the greatest insult not only to her but of every woman of Asian background," Carr said.

His wife Helena, who was born in Malaysia, said the remark was "hurtful".

'I let some steam off'

Brogden denied he was drunk at the function at Sydney's Hilton Hotel on Aug 5, after his behaviour was revealed in a local newspaper Sunday.

"I let some steam off, and clearly I let that steam off in a completely inappropriate manner after having about six beers over a three-hour period...," he told Nine Network television.

Howard would not speculate on what the crisis meant for Brogden's political future, but said the comments were entirely inappropriate.

"His position and his future is in his hands and that of his parliamentary colleagues," Howard said.

"That sort of comment is just quite wrong. I know Helena Carr and she's a very gracious person. That sort of comment should never have been made."