Langkawi MP Apologises For Controversial 'Wear Nothing' Invite
Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah says sorry for his sexist remarks directed at MP Teresa Kok.
By Dale John Wong — 10 Nov 2023, 06:06 PM
Langkawi member of parliament (MP) Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah has issued an apology in Parliament for directing lewd remarks at Seputeh MP Teresa Kok more than two weeks ago
On 26 October, Mohd Suhaimi told Kok that she was welcome to visit Langkawi "even if she wasn't wearing anything".
Mohd Suhaimi also said he was "quite curious" about what Kok would wear to Langkawi in the end.
According to The Straits Times, he made the controversial remark in Parliament after Kok asked whether visitors were allowed to wear shorts at the island's beaches.
For context, Langkawi is currently under the jurisdiction of Perikatan Nasional, a political party known for having its significant representation of conservative-leaning politicians.
Mohd Suhaimi's remarks stirred controversy among fellow MPs, prompting several to call for action to be taken against him
According to Malaysiakini, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman accused Mohd Suhaimi of making an "offensive and lewd remark", and referred him to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for further action.
In the wake of a strong outcry against his remarks, Mohd Suhaimi ultimately offered an apology to the entire Dewan Rakyat
On 9 November, the MP delivered an apologetic statement to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and other MPs.
He apologised for his remark and acknowledged his error, though he did not specifically mention Kok.
"I would like to apologise for my mistake during my Budget 2024 speech on 26 October," he said.
"I am apologising to Tan Sri Speaker and MPs for my offensive and hurtful statement.
"I would like to emphasise that as an MP of this legendary island, Langkawi is close to my heart. Issues related to Langkawi and its people should not be trivialised," he added.
