Published on: Sunday, November 11, 2007 |
Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Women's Advisory Council (MPWS) took Umno Assembly Speaker Badruddin Amiruddin to task over his uncalled-for remarks about AirAsia stewardesses' uniforms at the party's General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur.
Chairperson Datin Asnimar Hj Sukardi said Saturday, it was most unbecoming of Badruddin to make fun of women in such a disrespectful manner.
"Apparently, some men have not learned a lesson from experiences in the past when MPs degraded women in Parliament. This time around, it happened during a political gathering of a dominant ruling party.
"We would have expected a man of his stature to give some sound advice on the dressing, instead of resorting to belittling women.
"We (MPWS) think he had gone too far in criticising women and should have been tactful," she said when contacted. The Umno Assembly Speaker drew laughter when he used a crude euphemism to refer to female genitalia. "For some of them you can even see their tunnel," he was quoted as saying in Malay.
Asnimar urged menfolk to be more sensitive and not to continue hurting the feelings of women in the country.
Sabah Law Association's Women and Children Rights sub-committee head Nilakrisna James said: 'I am appalled, disgusted and speechless. It becomes increasingly obvious that we need to send to Parliament only level-headed people instead of ones who love to discriminate.
"In other countries, the people would have demanded immediate resignation of the person who made such a statement. It must be disgraceful and embarrassing to Umno."
Zainaba Shukor, President of West Coast Single Mother Association also regretted Badruddin's comments.
"I don't think this is the right place for them to bring up the matter. There are also more important matters like the cost of living instead of making a big fuss about the skirt," she said.
The Umno Assembly heard that the AirAsia stewardesses skirts were too short and exposed the genitals.
"AirAsia stewardesses expose their calves, thighs and knees and this is inappropriate," delegate Zaleha Hussin, said. "Malaysia is an Islamic nation and Islam Hadhari is the basis for our lifestyle and this is inconsistent with it," she said, referring to the government's policy of promoting a version of the religion that emphasises economic and scientific development.
AirAsia stewardesses wear a red jacket, white blouse and above-the-knee red skirt.
