During the parliamentary session on the 13th of July 2020, Kasthuriraani Patto, the Member of Parliament for Batu Kawan was subject to racist and sexist remarks by Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim. While trying to voice her concerns about the lack of women in the proposed parliamentary committee, her comments were ignored by the new speaker of the house. When she questioned the reasons behind why her arguments were not being heard, Abdul Azeez in response to this said “gelap sangat tak nampak” (too dark to see) and “patut pakai bedak” (she should put on powder). These interactions can be viewed here.

This petition calls for a public apology from Abdul Azeez as well as the speaker of the house who did nothing in response to these racist and sexist remarks. 

Malaysians will not condone such ignorant and hostile behaviour towards minorities, especially from the very people who are entrusted to represent our voices in Parliament. 

Contact your respective MPs via email/social media to express how much you’re against discriminatory language used in Parliament and urge them to speak up if it happens again (hopefully it never will)! Abdul Azeez’s email is also stated above if you wish to express your dissatisfaction with his actions.