The Star (1/12/08): Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun wants Parliament to suspend Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for hurling obscenities in the House.
Parliament should take disciplinary action against Tajuddin as a warning to other MPs not to repeat the offence, she said in a statement yesterday.
Chew also urged Tajuddin to apologise to the public and take full responsibility for his insensitive statements.
“He should not treat Parliament like a coffeeshop,” Chew said, adding that Tajuddin should not be allowed to treat obscene remarks as jokes as well.
She also suggested that Parliament set up a code of conduct against MPs who hurled indecent and racist terms.
Tajuddin had called Gombak MP Mohd Azmin Ali biul (stupid) when the latter was debating the RM10 pay cut from the Education Minister’s salary and used a derogatory remark against a certain community in Parliament last Wednesday.
He also called Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran a “b***** b******” earlier this month.
Chew said if he was unrepentant, Beliawanis in Wanita MCA would organise a campaign protesting against discrimination of women in Tajuddin’s constituency and demand his apology.
Meanwhile, Tajuddin took a dig at Opposition MPs asking them to look at themselves first before making allegations against him and other Barisan Nasional MPs.
He said these MPs often resorted to character assassination to discredit Barisan MPs since the beginning of the Parliament sittings after the March 8 general elections.
“They make all kinds of false allegations on the pretext of speaking out for the rakyat.
“I’m fed up with the Opposition. They act like they are gentlemen with good manners but inside the Dewan, they try to bring down the Government by discrediting Government ministers and Barisan MPs,” he said.
He said to let the people judge whether it was right or wrong.
Tajuddin may get the stick
Malay Mail (28/12/08): Psychoanalysts say overreaction is a trait exhibited by children. But if you follow this argument, then you would be at a loss trying to explain the behaviour of our politicians, some of whom are, figuratively speaking, older than the hills.
When children misbehave or conduct themselves badly, adults advise or chide them to try to get them to mend their ways. Most grow out of their difficult years, but some of our politicians, unfortunately, may still be children trapped in adults’ bodies.
Whether he is one of them is subject to debate, but one thing is for sure: Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) is ultra-stubborn.
Having earned many colourful nicknames, among them keturunan lanun (descendent of pirates), from his peers and foes alike, Tajuddin, who came under heavy fire for uttering the word "b******" in parliament recently, yet again showed his defiance to calls for gentlemanly conduct in the august house.
Repeatedly warned by speakers and deputy speakers in the past for his penchant for vulgarities and crude behaviour, the menacing parliamentarian yesterday remained true to form as he raised his voice, volleyed abuses interjected with sexual innuendos.
It was too much to bear, even among his Barisan Nasional colleagues, as both backbenchers and opposition rallied to keep such unparliamentary behaviour out of the House.
This prompted Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to announce that a decision would be made against Tajuddin for uttering remarks deemed suggestive in nature to Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Pas-Parit Buntar) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Noting that some MPs had gone overboard in using harsh language and unparliamentary words, Wan Junaidi said he would discuss with his colleague Datuk Ronald Kiandee, the Deputy Speaker in charge on Wednesday, and Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia before making a ruling.
"I was not in the House at that time. I did not watch the proceedings on the monitor and was not aware of what had happened. But I have been informed about it. And I feel sad that this has been done by an MP," Wan Junaidi said.
"However, I can’t make a decision in haste. I will discuss it with Kiandee. But, from the information I received, it was indeed disappointing that such words were used," he said, adding he would also check the Hansard.
Earlier, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said that Tajuddin had used sexually offensive language against Dr Mujahid when he (Mujahid) was debating a motion tabled by Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang).
"Pasir Salak has always been using harsh words. Yesterday (Wednesday), he insulted another race. And then, he used words which berbau lucah (have sexual connotations). How can we let him repeatedly tarnish the (reputation of) Parliament? Stern action must be taken against him," said Fong.
"Why does he continuously insult the Dewan and the MPs and gets away scot-free? Please make a decision to protect the good name of the Dewan."
Fong was supported by M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), who called for Tajuddin to be suspended from the Dewan under Article 26(1)(h) of the Standing Order.
He said if action was not taken against Tajuddin, the House would be practising double standards because when "Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) used disrespectful words and he was thrown out," Kulasegaran said.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) said he witnessed the incident on Wednesday and saw Kiandee "shaking his head in disgust".
"What Tajuddin did was humiliating."
Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing (BN-Tuaran), who supported the call, said BN MPs also viewed the matter seriously. As a long-term MP, he felt the MP must be of a "higher standard" and uphold their dignity.
The episode unfolded on Wednesday during a motion to dock RM10 from Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein’s salary when it turned into a shouting match with Tajuddin calling Kulasegaran "k*****".
Opposition MPs demanded Tajuddin immediately withdraw the derogatory term, with Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) protesting to Kiandee that Tajuddin was up to his offensive name-calling tricks again and deserved a strong telling off. Kiandee agreed and asked Tajuddin to withdraw his inflammatory word.
"I don’t want to. Why is he (Kulasegaran) allowed to say anything he wants? He is the one who’s kurang ajar (uncouth)," said the unfazed Tajuddin, which earned him a reprimand from Kiandee and a rebuke from Datuk Muhammad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading).
Tajuddin withdrew the derogatory word he hurled at Kulasegaran but the peace was only momentary.
A short while later, while Azmin was following-up on the RM10 ringgit motion against Hishammuddin, Tajuddin sprang to his feet and interjected Azmin’s criticism as biol (stupid).
Azmin blurted out his annoyance: "This is too much. If it is only once or twice, it is forgivable, but everytime he opens his mouth, he has no respect for anyone."
After prompting Kiandee to order a withdrawal, Tajuddin retracted but showed no remorse.
"OK la, the good, smart... and interesting YB Gombak. I withdraw the word biol," he said.
The altercations overshadowed the sexual innuendoes he earlier uttered while Dr Mujahid was speaking.
This had not escaped Yong’s attention as she yesterday expressed her disgust with Tajuddin’s suggestive remarks.
"His actions have affected the name of Parliament. Before this, he had used abusive words and this had hurt the people's sentiment. Are you going to allow him to repeatedly abuse the sanctity of Parliament?" she asked.
During the entire speech by Dr Mujahid, Tajuddin kept interrupting to be allowed to interject, uttering remarks like masuk, tak masuk lagi, tak bagi masuk, main tepi saja, bila nak keluar air dia!
And Dr Mujahid, innocently kept saying tunggulah, nantilah and sabar lah, belum lagi.
Rude, crude and obnoxious - the BN brand MP
Malaysian Insider (28/11/08): He is untouchable. He can use swear words with impunity. He can spray sexist comments in the chamber and use sexual innuendo when he sees fit.
Judging by proceedings in Parliament since the March 8 general election, Datuk Tajudin Rahman, the Barisan Nasional MP for Pasir Salak can pretty much do as he pleases.
He is also living proof that some of the lessons of Election 2008 are being ignored and tossed aside by elected representatives. A walking advertisement that, despite being decimated in five states and having its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament taken away, arrogance and pride still courses through the veins of ruling coalition members.
More troubling perhaps for the average Malaysian is that Tajudin Rahman’s boorish behaviour is a reflection of the reality here – that the winds of change ushered in by the events of March 8 have begun to wane and that Malaysia is settling down once again to a state where apathy and fatigue reign.
Where the public feigns outrage at excesses of politicians and the government, then do a collective shrug of their shoulders and put it down to the way of life here.
Politicians from both sides of the divide know the drill. And that is why the likes of Tajudin Rahman and before him, Datuk Badruddin Amiruddin, Bung Mokhtar Radin and Mohd Said Yusof have shamed the House with outrageous remarks with the conviction that they will be untouched by any sanction or rebuke.
Still, it appears that Tajudin is in a class of his own. In this same Parliament session, he has called his nemesis, the DAP MP for Ipoh Barat a “bloody bastard”, introducing colourful language which the House has not heard before.
Granted that M. Kulasegaran has the ability to get under anyone’s skin with his comments, but "bloody bastard" in Parliament?
Tajudin was asked to withdraw his comments and went on his merry way. Yesterday, he scored a hattrick. The skirmish happened when the House was debating a motion by DAP’s Teo Nie Ching to cut the Education Minister’s salary by RM10 for failing to meet his promises on vernacular schools.
Within minutes of the motion, a shouting match ensued between MPs from BN and Pakatan Rakyat.
During the uproar, Tajudin called Kulasegaran “keling’’. Several minutes later, he labelled PKR’s Azmin Ali as a “biol” (dumb).
Azmin said: "This is too much. If it is only once or twice it is forgiveable, but every time he opens his mouth, he has no respect for anyone."
After being directed by Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee, Tajudin reluctantly withdrew his remarks.
But he outdid himself later when he attempted to interject while Pas’ Mujahid Rawa was debating on Teo’s motion.
This was the exchange.
Tajudin: Oh, tak masuk lagi?
Kiandee: Dia tak bagi, Yang Berhormat. Tak bagi.
Tajudin: Dia tak masuk lagi? Dah lama tak masuk-masuk. Main tepi saja.
Mujahid: Yang Berhormat Pasir Salak sabarlah.
Tajudin: Bila nak keluar lagi air dia ?
DAP’s Fong Po Kuan evoked Parliament’s Standing Orders against Tajudin for using offensive remarks. In all likelihood, Tajudin will be given a rap on his knuckles by the Speaker. He may be asked to apologise, something he has done a number of times since Parliament was convened.
Will he face any action from Umno or BN leaders? Unlikely. The prevailing view among Umno politicians is that BN needs some “fighters’ in the chamber to keep the resurgent Opposition in check.
Will the BN Whip Datuk Seri Najib Razak haul Tajudin up and read him the riot act? Unlikely. His supporters argue that there is only one way to deal with the likes of Azmin, Kulasegaran and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the loss of two-thirds majority. And that is not by yielding any ground or being cowed by the Opposition.
Will Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi do anything? Unlikely. He is already in retirement mode and only has time for several pieces of reforms which he has to push through before March 2009.
So looks like we will be stuck with the untouchable Tajudin Rahman and his antics for some time.
Tajudin’s antics shows up BN
The Star (29/11/08): in Perak is honoured in our history as the site of a 1875 Malay rebellion against British colonial rule that was later brutally put down.
The rebels were killed and survivors exiled to such far off places as Seychelles.
In the news: Tajudin courts controversy at Parliament sittings.
Numerous memorials, mausoleums and artifacts have been erected in Pasir Salak to remember their brave deeds.
It is an important site in the heritage itinerary and an exalted place but the current Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajudin Abdul Rahman is apparently not doing justice to this significant constituency with his abandoned behaviour in Parliament.
He courts controversy at Parliament sittings with his crude language, ill-concealed hostile manners and constant baiting of opposition MPs and with his lewd and gender-insensitive remarks.
Tajudin uses words like kurang ajar, ke**** and even “bloody bas****” without any qualms, sparking furious exchanges in the House.
He might enjoy the publicity and notoriety but his antics are seriously tarnishing Barisan’s already battered image as an arrogant and insensitive coalition.
On Wednesday, Tajudin reportedly made overtly lewd remarks when Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching was debating on the failure by the Barisan to fulfil promises made to develop vernacular schools.
Earlier, Tajudin described Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran as a “bloody bas****” and challenged him to settle scores outside Parliament.
Last month, he unprecedentedly challenged Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to take action against him and got away with it without even a rap on his knuckles.
For some unknown reason, Tajudin is apparently picking on Kulasegaran and they often clashed, always drawing other MPs – from both sides – into the fray, sparking mayhem in the House.
“I really don’t understand why he is picking on me but I am not frightened or rattled,” said Kulasegaran.
“I speak for all Malaysians when I speak in Parliament, he probably speaks to a small group of like-minded people.”
(One MP speculated that a probable reason is constant eye contact because when Tajudin stands to debate the first person he sees in Dewan is Kulasegaran and vice-versa.)
PKR’s Azmin Ali, who was labelled “dumb” by Tajudin on Wednesday said: “This is too much. If it is only once or twice it is forgivable, but every time he opens his mouth, he shows no respect for anyone.”
Tajudin’s antics have also upset many Barisan parliamentarians who are also surprised he gets away without rebuke or sanction.
“We are forced by Barisan’s ‘one for all, all for one’ rule to either defend him or keep silent,” said a Barisan MP from Sarawak.
“The standing of the Barisan, the Government and Parliament is tarnished.
“People have ridiculed me and labelled Parliament a circus because of the fracas,” said the non-Muslim MP.
“Barisan is paying a heavy price because of the boorish behaviour of a few MPs.”
“We need to reform but some MPs are frozen in time and are becoming a liability to the rest of us,” said another Barisan parliamentarian, adding that some MPs want to take the matter up with Barisan whip Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Although such MPs are few, they dominate Parliament and their antics dominate the media,” he said.
“They gain in notoriety but the Barisan suffers.”
Because he is not punished, Tajudin has gained a reputation as an “untouchable” unlike Gelugor MP Karpal Singh who is often suspended for staying the course on issues dear to his heart.
While the ruckus involving Karpal Singh tells the people how hard the Opposition is working, the antics of Tajudin and his like is showing the reverse – that even after the landmark March 8 vote, it is business as usual for the Barisan.
Parliament should take disciplinary action against Tajuddin as a warning to other MPs not to repeat the offence, she said in a statement yesterday.
Chew also urged Tajuddin to apologise to the public and take full responsibility for his insensitive statements.
“He should not treat Parliament like a coffeeshop,” Chew said, adding that Tajuddin should not be allowed to treat obscene remarks as jokes as well.
She also suggested that Parliament set up a code of conduct against MPs who hurled indecent and racist terms.
Tajuddin had called Gombak MP Mohd Azmin Ali biul (stupid) when the latter was debating the RM10 pay cut from the Education Minister’s salary and used a derogatory remark against a certain community in Parliament last Wednesday.
He also called Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran a “b***** b******” earlier this month.
Chew said if he was unrepentant, Beliawanis in Wanita MCA would organise a campaign protesting against discrimination of women in Tajuddin’s constituency and demand his apology.
Meanwhile, Tajuddin took a dig at Opposition MPs asking them to look at themselves first before making allegations against him and other Barisan Nasional MPs.
He said these MPs often resorted to character assassination to discredit Barisan MPs since the beginning of the Parliament sittings after the March 8 general elections.
“They make all kinds of false allegations on the pretext of speaking out for the rakyat.
“I’m fed up with the Opposition. They act like they are gentlemen with good manners but inside the Dewan, they try to bring down the Government by discrediting Government ministers and Barisan MPs,” he said.
He said to let the people judge whether it was right or wrong.
Tajuddin may get the stick
Malay Mail (28/12/08): Psychoanalysts say overreaction is a trait exhibited by children. But if you follow this argument, then you would be at a loss trying to explain the behaviour of our politicians, some of whom are, figuratively speaking, older than the hills.
When children misbehave or conduct themselves badly, adults advise or chide them to try to get them to mend their ways. Most grow out of their difficult years, but some of our politicians, unfortunately, may still be children trapped in adults’ bodies.
Whether he is one of them is subject to debate, but one thing is for sure: Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) is ultra-stubborn.
Having earned many colourful nicknames, among them keturunan lanun (descendent of pirates), from his peers and foes alike, Tajuddin, who came under heavy fire for uttering the word "b******" in parliament recently, yet again showed his defiance to calls for gentlemanly conduct in the august house.
Repeatedly warned by speakers and deputy speakers in the past for his penchant for vulgarities and crude behaviour, the menacing parliamentarian yesterday remained true to form as he raised his voice, volleyed abuses interjected with sexual innuendos.
It was too much to bear, even among his Barisan Nasional colleagues, as both backbenchers and opposition rallied to keep such unparliamentary behaviour out of the House.
This prompted Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to announce that a decision would be made against Tajuddin for uttering remarks deemed suggestive in nature to Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Pas-Parit Buntar) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Noting that some MPs had gone overboard in using harsh language and unparliamentary words, Wan Junaidi said he would discuss with his colleague Datuk Ronald Kiandee, the Deputy Speaker in charge on Wednesday, and Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia before making a ruling.
"I was not in the House at that time. I did not watch the proceedings on the monitor and was not aware of what had happened. But I have been informed about it. And I feel sad that this has been done by an MP," Wan Junaidi said.
"However, I can’t make a decision in haste. I will discuss it with Kiandee. But, from the information I received, it was indeed disappointing that such words were used," he said, adding he would also check the Hansard.
Earlier, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said that Tajuddin had used sexually offensive language against Dr Mujahid when he (Mujahid) was debating a motion tabled by Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang).
"Pasir Salak has always been using harsh words. Yesterday (Wednesday), he insulted another race. And then, he used words which berbau lucah (have sexual connotations). How can we let him repeatedly tarnish the (reputation of) Parliament? Stern action must be taken against him," said Fong.
"Why does he continuously insult the Dewan and the MPs and gets away scot-free? Please make a decision to protect the good name of the Dewan."
Fong was supported by M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), who called for Tajuddin to be suspended from the Dewan under Article 26(1)(h) of the Standing Order.
He said if action was not taken against Tajuddin, the House would be practising double standards because when "Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) used disrespectful words and he was thrown out," Kulasegaran said.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) said he witnessed the incident on Wednesday and saw Kiandee "shaking his head in disgust".
"What Tajuddin did was humiliating."
Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing (BN-Tuaran), who supported the call, said BN MPs also viewed the matter seriously. As a long-term MP, he felt the MP must be of a "higher standard" and uphold their dignity.
The episode unfolded on Wednesday during a motion to dock RM10 from Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein’s salary when it turned into a shouting match with Tajuddin calling Kulasegaran "k*****".
Opposition MPs demanded Tajuddin immediately withdraw the derogatory term, with Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) protesting to Kiandee that Tajuddin was up to his offensive name-calling tricks again and deserved a strong telling off. Kiandee agreed and asked Tajuddin to withdraw his inflammatory word.
"I don’t want to. Why is he (Kulasegaran) allowed to say anything he wants? He is the one who’s kurang ajar (uncouth)," said the unfazed Tajuddin, which earned him a reprimand from Kiandee and a rebuke from Datuk Muhammad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading).
Tajuddin withdrew the derogatory word he hurled at Kulasegaran but the peace was only momentary.
A short while later, while Azmin was following-up on the RM10 ringgit motion against Hishammuddin, Tajuddin sprang to his feet and interjected Azmin’s criticism as biol (stupid).
Azmin blurted out his annoyance: "This is too much. If it is only once or twice, it is forgivable, but everytime he opens his mouth, he has no respect for anyone."
After prompting Kiandee to order a withdrawal, Tajuddin retracted but showed no remorse.
"OK la, the good, smart... and interesting YB Gombak. I withdraw the word biol," he said.
The altercations overshadowed the sexual innuendoes he earlier uttered while Dr Mujahid was speaking.
This had not escaped Yong’s attention as she yesterday expressed her disgust with Tajuddin’s suggestive remarks.
"His actions have affected the name of Parliament. Before this, he had used abusive words and this had hurt the people's sentiment. Are you going to allow him to repeatedly abuse the sanctity of Parliament?" she asked.
During the entire speech by Dr Mujahid, Tajuddin kept interrupting to be allowed to interject, uttering remarks like masuk, tak masuk lagi, tak bagi masuk, main tepi saja, bila nak keluar air dia!
And Dr Mujahid, innocently kept saying tunggulah, nantilah and sabar lah, belum lagi.
Rude, crude and obnoxious - the BN brand MP
Malaysian Insider (28/11/08): He is untouchable. He can use swear words with impunity. He can spray sexist comments in the chamber and use sexual innuendo when he sees fit.
Judging by proceedings in Parliament since the March 8 general election, Datuk Tajudin Rahman, the Barisan Nasional MP for Pasir Salak can pretty much do as he pleases.
He is also living proof that some of the lessons of Election 2008 are being ignored and tossed aside by elected representatives. A walking advertisement that, despite being decimated in five states and having its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament taken away, arrogance and pride still courses through the veins of ruling coalition members.
More troubling perhaps for the average Malaysian is that Tajudin Rahman’s boorish behaviour is a reflection of the reality here – that the winds of change ushered in by the events of March 8 have begun to wane and that Malaysia is settling down once again to a state where apathy and fatigue reign.
Where the public feigns outrage at excesses of politicians and the government, then do a collective shrug of their shoulders and put it down to the way of life here.
Politicians from both sides of the divide know the drill. And that is why the likes of Tajudin Rahman and before him, Datuk Badruddin Amiruddin, Bung Mokhtar Radin and Mohd Said Yusof have shamed the House with outrageous remarks with the conviction that they will be untouched by any sanction or rebuke.
Still, it appears that Tajudin is in a class of his own. In this same Parliament session, he has called his nemesis, the DAP MP for Ipoh Barat a “bloody bastard”, introducing colourful language which the House has not heard before.
Granted that M. Kulasegaran has the ability to get under anyone’s skin with his comments, but "bloody bastard" in Parliament?
Tajudin was asked to withdraw his comments and went on his merry way. Yesterday, he scored a hattrick. The skirmish happened when the House was debating a motion by DAP’s Teo Nie Ching to cut the Education Minister’s salary by RM10 for failing to meet his promises on vernacular schools.
Within minutes of the motion, a shouting match ensued between MPs from BN and Pakatan Rakyat.
During the uproar, Tajudin called Kulasegaran “keling’’. Several minutes later, he labelled PKR’s Azmin Ali as a “biol” (dumb).
Azmin said: "This is too much. If it is only once or twice it is forgiveable, but every time he opens his mouth, he has no respect for anyone."
After being directed by Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee, Tajudin reluctantly withdrew his remarks.
But he outdid himself later when he attempted to interject while Pas’ Mujahid Rawa was debating on Teo’s motion.
This was the exchange.
Tajudin: Oh, tak masuk lagi?
Kiandee: Dia tak bagi, Yang Berhormat. Tak bagi.
Tajudin: Dia tak masuk lagi? Dah lama tak masuk-masuk. Main tepi saja.
Mujahid: Yang Berhormat Pasir Salak sabarlah.
Tajudin: Bila nak keluar lagi air dia ?
DAP’s Fong Po Kuan evoked Parliament’s Standing Orders against Tajudin for using offensive remarks. In all likelihood, Tajudin will be given a rap on his knuckles by the Speaker. He may be asked to apologise, something he has done a number of times since Parliament was convened.
Will he face any action from Umno or BN leaders? Unlikely. The prevailing view among Umno politicians is that BN needs some “fighters’ in the chamber to keep the resurgent Opposition in check.
Will the BN Whip Datuk Seri Najib Razak haul Tajudin up and read him the riot act? Unlikely. His supporters argue that there is only one way to deal with the likes of Azmin, Kulasegaran and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the loss of two-thirds majority. And that is not by yielding any ground or being cowed by the Opposition.
Will Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi do anything? Unlikely. He is already in retirement mode and only has time for several pieces of reforms which he has to push through before March 2009.
So looks like we will be stuck with the untouchable Tajudin Rahman and his antics for some time.
Tajudin’s antics shows up BN
The Star (29/11/08): in Perak is honoured in our history as the site of a 1875 Malay rebellion against British colonial rule that was later brutally put down.
The rebels were killed and survivors exiled to such far off places as Seychelles.
In the news: Tajudin courts controversy at Parliament sittings.
Numerous memorials, mausoleums and artifacts have been erected in Pasir Salak to remember their brave deeds.
It is an important site in the heritage itinerary and an exalted place but the current Pasir Salak MP Datuk Tajudin Abdul Rahman is apparently not doing justice to this significant constituency with his abandoned behaviour in Parliament.
He courts controversy at Parliament sittings with his crude language, ill-concealed hostile manners and constant baiting of opposition MPs and with his lewd and gender-insensitive remarks.
Tajudin uses words like kurang ajar, ke**** and even “bloody bas****” without any qualms, sparking furious exchanges in the House.
He might enjoy the publicity and notoriety but his antics are seriously tarnishing Barisan’s already battered image as an arrogant and insensitive coalition.
On Wednesday, Tajudin reportedly made overtly lewd remarks when Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching was debating on the failure by the Barisan to fulfil promises made to develop vernacular schools.
Earlier, Tajudin described Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran as a “bloody bas****” and challenged him to settle scores outside Parliament.
Last month, he unprecedentedly challenged Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to take action against him and got away with it without even a rap on his knuckles.
For some unknown reason, Tajudin is apparently picking on Kulasegaran and they often clashed, always drawing other MPs – from both sides – into the fray, sparking mayhem in the House.
“I really don’t understand why he is picking on me but I am not frightened or rattled,” said Kulasegaran.
“I speak for all Malaysians when I speak in Parliament, he probably speaks to a small group of like-minded people.”
(One MP speculated that a probable reason is constant eye contact because when Tajudin stands to debate the first person he sees in Dewan is Kulasegaran and vice-versa.)
PKR’s Azmin Ali, who was labelled “dumb” by Tajudin on Wednesday said: “This is too much. If it is only once or twice it is forgivable, but every time he opens his mouth, he shows no respect for anyone.”
Tajudin’s antics have also upset many Barisan parliamentarians who are also surprised he gets away without rebuke or sanction.
“We are forced by Barisan’s ‘one for all, all for one’ rule to either defend him or keep silent,” said a Barisan MP from Sarawak.
“The standing of the Barisan, the Government and Parliament is tarnished.
“People have ridiculed me and labelled Parliament a circus because of the fracas,” said the non-Muslim MP.
“Barisan is paying a heavy price because of the boorish behaviour of a few MPs.”
“We need to reform but some MPs are frozen in time and are becoming a liability to the rest of us,” said another Barisan parliamentarian, adding that some MPs want to take the matter up with Barisan whip Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“Although such MPs are few, they dominate Parliament and their antics dominate the media,” he said.
“They gain in notoriety but the Barisan suffers.”
Because he is not punished, Tajudin has gained a reputation as an “untouchable” unlike Gelugor MP Karpal Singh who is often suspended for staying the course on issues dear to his heart.
While the ruckus involving Karpal Singh tells the people how hard the Opposition is working, the antics of Tajudin and his like is showing the reverse – that even after the landmark March 8 vote, it is business as usual for the Barisan.
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