KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil criticized Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council member Dr Afif Bahardin for making sexist remarks against Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election Pang Sock Tao.
He, who is also the spokesman for the Unity Government, said this in response to Dr Afif’s recent video display on Instagram, which claimed that Sock Tao, 31, was chosen solely because of his role as a ‘proxy’ for the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming.
“I think it’s as if Afif doesn’t recognize the ability of a female candidate to be independent. How can he make such a statement, saying that he (Sock Tao) is a proxy for anyone. Sock Tao can be independent, not a proxy for anyone, just look at his record.
“Afif is a doctor, use common sense, think clearly. It is as if he is a misogynist. Respect female candidates. He should encourage more women to come forward to contest, don’t be sexist,” said him who is the PKR information chief.
He said this after officiating the National Journalist Day (HAWANA) 2024 Joint Strategic Partner Meeting at Wisma Bernama here on Tuesday.
For the record, Sock Tao, who is DAP’s Pekan Ampang Branch publicity secretary, previously worked as a DAP UbahTV news anchor, in addition to serving as Kor Ming’s press secretary.
The KKB by-election, which saw a four-cornered contest involving Sock Tao, Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainuddin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) and Nyau Ke Xin (Bebas), was held following the death of the incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21 due to cancer .
The Election Commission has set the voting day for the by-election on May 11, while early voting is on May
Meanwhile, commenting on the issue of Perlis Menteri Besar, Mohd Shukri Ramli, who was called to give evidence to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today to assist in the investigation into allegations of abuse of power, Fahmi said the agency should be given the space to carry out a professional and comprehensive investigation.
“I believe the MACC will follow the process and settle the law, we ask all parties to be patient and give them space to investigate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi defended the actions of the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to file a police report on blogger Murray Hunter who accused the agency and the Royal Malaysian Police of being politically based institutions in the current government administration.
“I think they (MCMC) have the legal basis to take the action. For Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) they can comment and criticize.. please.
“I’m just reminding you that we have the right to criticize (and) speak out, but we don’t have the right to slander or touch on the issue of race, religion and kings (3R),” he said.
Yesterday, MCMC informed that Hunter’s writing was viewed as defamatory when he openly accused MCMC of acting beyond its jurisdiction for self-interest, in addition to accusing MCMC and PDRM of intimidating the public.
It caused the LFL lawyers’ group to criticize the MCMC, saying the commission’s move to file a police report was excessive and unnecessary. – Named
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