Bocor - what's next?

Let off despite ‘sexist’ remarks
Groups slam MPs for making sexist ‘joke’ against women

Bocor - in the Malay language this means leak. Well, it used to just mean what it means - that is until two Member of our Parliament used it to refer to the monthly 'leaks' (periods) a woman has, during a debate on leaking roofs on our Parliament buildings. Of course such unsavoury remarks are not tolerated by our partisan Opposition voice in the house - which made headlines in the local (and I'm sure foreign) media as well. And over the next few days various women's groups came out to voice their unhappiness at this derogatory remark by these two MPs.

Malaysian law minister defends alleged sexist remark by Parliament colleagues
MP says sorry to women, then retracts his apology
MPs say sorry

Ruling cabinet ministers and MPs added fuel to the fire by making ill-judged remarks, and claims that it had been blown out of proportion by the Opposition and media. No apology was forthcoming until ordered by the Cabinet, and last Friday, a closed door meeting followed by an 'apparent' apology was tendered by the two MPs involved. Worst part is, the apologies were insincere and tantamounts to an insult to all those offended by the incident. However, as far as we are (supposed to be) concerned, it's over. But we of course know that it is all mere sandiwara for our entertainment (why not, since terrestial TV programmes are pathetic, and pay TV is getting expensive!)

There they go again

Well it is no secret that our Parliament has long ceased to function as the executive body it once was. Now controlled by the ruling party, it has degenerated into a mere playground where Government policies are rubber-stamped and intellectual debates are of little merit. Try as they might what little voice the Opposition has are usually stampeded into submission - remarks such as this are common, and will not be the last. And it's not just the MPs which are the problem.

Samy finds rubbish, debris clogging roof gutter
Wear and tear among reasons for leaking roof at Parliament House
Government has no choice but to fix roof immediately, says Najib
Electrical wiring is just as bad

The physical building itself is in shambles - leakage in the roof may lead to collapse of the structure if not quickly attended to. For a 44-year old building, some problems such as this would be expected. But coming in the wake of a RM90 million renovation just two years ago, questions have to be answered - then again, a lot of them have been posed but not answered in the Parliament debates either, so don't expect much. More of course will be expected in monetary terms for inspections and repairs, even as we hold with bated breath.

On the flip side, the Malaysian public is in need of regular reminders, of how and why they have been chosen (hey they are elected anyway, by hook or by crook!); and our MPs in the Parliament, for all their worth, never disappoint.

And ironically, in the furore of the whole incident: Act on sexual harassment cases, or face RM10k fine. I wonder, does this apply?