Lim said Hishamuddin’s statement was unbecoming of a minister and someone who was also seen as a future leader.
“If it is true that he had said it, he should retract the statement because it is improper for a minister to call a fellow Member of Parliament dirty,” Lim told reporters after meeting state civil servants here today.
On Monday, Hishammuddin waded into Teo’s controversial visit to Kajang’s Surau Al-Huda, saying she should have been disallowed entry as she “was deemed dirty” and her visit is a detriment to the Muslim community.
He also censured PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat for encouraging Teo to visit more mosques.
Teo’s visit also drew flak from Malay rights group Perkasa which now wants all non-Muslims to be barred from mosques and suraus.
Lim today said he was not sure of the reason for Hishammusddin’s remark.
“I don’t know why Hishammuddin called a woman dirty. Was it because she is a non-Muslim or because she is a female?” Lim asked.
“We should respect one another. I hope he [Hishammuddin] will clarify this matter,” he added.
Earlier, Lim said that the state government has decided to increase its Hari Raya Aidilfitri bonus to RM500 from RM400 as announced last week.
“Following our initial announcement to give RM400, Federal government has emulated our move by announcing RM500 raya cash to all civil servants. Thus, Penang state government has also increased the amount to RM500,” he said.
Lim said teachers conducting Al-Quran and Fardhu Ain classes will also receive RM250 each.
He said the financial grant, costing the state RM5.2 million, is to encourage civil servants to deliver world-class services to the public.
