State PKR Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin said Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi’s rudeness in describing the low-ranking staff of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) as ‘kucing kurap’ (small fry) was uncalled for.
Dr Afif BahardinAfif said Mansor, the state PKR chief and Nibong Tebal MP, was not interfering in Ooi’s constituency but merely suggesting that he respect others, even if they are low-ranking staff.
“To label someone ‘kucing kurap’ is simply unprofessional,” Afif told Malaysiakini.
“Don’t treat civil servants as BN leaders used to treat them, as every civil servant has dignity,” added Afif, who is state executive councillor in charge of health.
On Sunday, Ooi blasted Mansor for chiding him over his ‘kucing kurap’ remark, which is seen as an attack on MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail as well.
Ooi was unhappy that MPPP had despatched low-ranking and ill-informed staff to handle his complaints about illegal hawkers in his constituency.
He had also raised the concerns of investors who threatened to pull out their multi-million ringgit investments because of MPPP’s delay in processing their development plans.
Ooi had then suggested that Patahiyah quit her post if she cannot perform as well as her predecessors.
In response, Mansor demanded that Ooi apologises for his “demeaning” remark, saying it does not reflect the spirit of Pakatan, and urged him to air his complaints internally.
Afif said as part of the Pakatan Rakyat team, Ooi could air his grievances directly to the state exco and state government.
As a DAP leader, who used to be chief of staff to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Ooi could share his problems with his bosses, including state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow is the state exco member for local government, who oversees MPPP.
“Why is there a need to go to the media? We are after all in Pakatan and should communicate and discuss matters internally,” said Afif.
‘Penangites want leaders who are polite and sensible’
“There is no use being rude or arrogant as I believe Penangites want leaders who are polite and sensible,” he added.
“I urge Jeff Ooi to apologise to the civil servants,” he insisted.
Ooi has stood by his remarks, refusing to apologise, saying his remark was neither derogatory nor demeaning.
Ooi also blamed Mansor, who he added has yet to be accountable for the loss in Balik Pulau in the May 5 general election, as the parliamentary seat was captured by BN’s Dr Hilmy Yahya.
Afif said there was no guarantee that even if a DAP candidate is placed in Balik Pulau, the seat could be retained.
“We must remember, in Balik Pulau, money politics and election irregularities were rampant. Just ask our candidate (Muhammad Baktiar Wan Chik) there,” said Afif.
“To move forward is to look see how Pakatan can work together to reform the election process, and make it free and fair,” he added.
“Instead of being arrogant, Pakatan leaders should continue to push hard and demand electoral reforms.”
Meanwhile, Penang Umno has demanded that Ooi apologises for the remark, saying that it has hurt the feelings of civil servants all over the country.
The New Straits Times today reported that state Umno liaison chief Zainal Abidin Osman also urged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to take action against Ooi on the matter.
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