MP proposes changes to standing order to curb racist, sexist comments in Parliament
Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto has proposed amendments to the Dewan Rakyat standing order to ensure MPs do not continue to make sexist and racist comments in the August House.
Her proposal came a day after Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun promised sterner actions against MPs who utter "seditious, racist, rude and sexist" comments during sittings...
Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto has proposed amendments to the Dewan Rakyat standing order to ensure MPs do not continue to make sexist and racist comments in the August House.
Her proposal came a day after Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun promised sterner actions against MPs who utter "seditious, racist, rude and sexist" comments during sittings.
Kasthuriraani said she had written to the speaker's office today to propose amendments to Standing Order 80(1) and 80A whereby MPs who make sexist, racist and seditious comments will automatically be referred to the rights and privileges committee.
The DAP lawmaker added that MPs should also be fined no less than RM500.
"I'm making this proposal because Standing Order 80(1) and 80A is too general and does not discourage MPs from violating Standing Order 36(4) and 36(10)," she told a press conference in Parliament today.
Standing Order 80(1) and 80A details the procedure in which an MP can be referred to the rights of privileges committee for investigation if he or she is deemed to have committed an infraction.
Standing Order 36(4) makes it an offence for MPs to utter rude or sexist words while Standing Order 36(1) prevents the use of words deemed treasonable, seditious or will promote ill-will and hostility among different communities.
On July 14, BN's Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim had caused controversy when he said "dark, can't see" when Kashturiraani was speaking in the Dewan Rakyat.
Azhar, who initially declined to make a ruling on the matter, later concluded it was offensive after reviewing the Dewan Rakyat Hansard and instructed Abdul Azeez to retract his statement.
Abdul Azeez later claimed he was referring to Kasthuriraani's seat location and not her personally.
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