“I am not sexist” Kedah MB Defends ‘Betina’ Rant, Stresses That It’s A Reality That Rural Areas Need Men MP

The Menteri Besar (MB) of Kedah, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has defended his controversial speech at a programme in Sik, Kedah in which he labelled women as ‘betina’ and incapable of becoming an MP, saying that it is “a reality” that rural Parliamentary constituencies such as Sik require a male Member of Parliament (MP). Moreover, he stressed that he is not sexist and that the speech was made in the context of the Sik Parliamentary constituency while using a ‘kampung’ dialect.

As reported by Harian Metro, Sanusi stressed during another ceramah in Jerlun, Kedah yesterday that the most suitable candidate to be voted in Sik is men and that he is just stating the reality and not being sexist. The Kedah MB asserted,

“My speech was made in a ‘kampung’ dialect and in the context of Sik which has the geography, socio-economy, culture, geopolitics, terrain, jungles and distance which require a male MP. Women should be given the space and trust as an elected representative, but not in Sik.”

He further elaborated that as an individual that was born and raised in Sik, he knows more about the needs of its people, saying that all previous State Legislative Assembly Representatives (ADUNs) and MPs in the area have been male and the need for male representatives is still prevalent until now. Sanusi added that in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, then maybe women are suitable to become MPs.

So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Kedah MB? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: Sanusi Labels Women As ‘Betina’ And Incapable Of Becoming An MP In Sexist Rant