PM's 'phone number' remark 'misconstrued', says education minister

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's controversial remark to a female Form Six student became an issue because it was "misconstrued".

According to FMT, that was the only word Fadhlina (above) uttered to reporters when she was asked to comment on the matter at an event in Shah Alam, Selangor today.

On Saturday, Anwar spoke at a town hall session with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

When posed with a well-crafted question from female student, Anwar remarked that he would have asked for the student's number if he was younger.

Anwar then made it clear to the audience that he was just being playful and that his wife was watching the proceedings.

However, Anwar's behaviour had earned the wrath of Bersatu's legal bureau and Muda leadership who said the comments were unacceptable and sexist.

Bersatu's legal bureau deputy chief Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif said Anwar should make a public apology over the comments.

She said Anwar had made a mockery of his own slogan which promised Malaysia a "Madani" (civilised) discourse.

Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz also urged Anwar to apologise because the prime minister should set a good example for other men.

"Make them understand that this behaviour is not okay. Especially coming from someone with a position of power.

“If you’re impressed by the girl, just compliment her without making comments that objectify her," she said.

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