Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein has since apologised for vaping inside the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian Parliament).
However, mere hours after his apology statement on Twitter, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged action to be taken against him.
The CAP’s anti-tobacco activist and education officer N.V. Subbarow said that what Hishammuddin did in the Dewan Rakyat was “shocking” and “shameful”.
Subbarow said: “In this case, Hishammuddin should be charged with violating the law. He cannot simply say sorry. He is a minister and a lawmaker. He should be a role model to others.”
He also added: “He cannot escape from the hands of law. He should be fined or compounded. There should be no compromise. We urge the authorities to take action against him for violating the law in the august house.”
Responding to Subbarow’s statements, Hishammuddin said that he was compounded by the Malaysian health ministry and that he will pay the fine.
He also added that: “No one should be above the law.”