Khalid will not retract 'sial' remark

Shah Alam Member of Parliament Khalid Samad said he will not retract the curse word 'sial' uttered in the Dewan Rakyat against Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman unless the minister retracts his statement on Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok.

Tajuddin had earlier caused an uproar in the House when he said "the only woman with a Kok is in Seputeh," a remark which opposition MPs said was rude and sexist.

"Despite wearing a songkok, Tajuddin's actions were unethical and did not reflect the Malay culture. He deserved to be called 'menteri sial' (damned minister) as he went over the limit," Khalid told the press at the Parliament lobby on Monday.

Tajuddin had earlier threatened to take legal action against Khalid should he repeat the words 'Tajuddin sial' outside the House.

"How do you feel if you're called 'sial'? You would be angry, right? That was rude of him!" Tajuddin said in the lobby.

Khalid, meanwhile, said he will take on Tajuddin's challenge and will not retract his statement unless the minister retracts his statement directed at Kok.

"Tajuddin has challenged me. That is why I called for this press conference today. I will not retract my 'sial' remark unless he does the same and promises to behave.

"He has challenged me to fight him outside but I don't want to be sent to jail for murder or causing harm. So, I'll listen to the advice of other MPs in Parliament and sit quietly," Khalid said.