KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman will not be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for the allegedly derogatory remark he made in Parliament yesterday.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said that he agrees with Deputy Speaker, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, who said that the Pasir Salak member of Parliament was referring to Seputeh MP Theresa Kok’s surname when he used the word "kok" yesterday.
Pandikar, however, said those who are unhappy with the decision could table a private motion on the issue.
Tajuddin created an uproar in the august house yesterday when he said: "The only woman with a 'Kok' is in Seputeh".
“The incident happened in front of your eyes. You were here.
"Everyone saw what happened. The Rights and Privileges Committee is only for (cases) when we need to (seek) evidence and call in witnesses to (get to the bottom of an) issue,” said Pandikar.
He said there is no need for an investigation to be done, since it occurred in front of everyone.
"I had consulted my deputy (who was presiding over the meeting yesterday) and read the handsard.
"The decision has been made," said Pandikar, who also reminded MPs not to use words that might upset others during Dewan Rakyat sittings.
Yesterday, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto requested that Pandikar make a ruling against Tajuddin for his remark towards Kok.