Tasek Gelugor MP Shabudin Yahya may have made global headlines over his "rape" remarks, but the majority of his constituents met by Malaysiakini were oblivious to the issue.
A group of college students, both male and female, on their laptops at a food court, said they were unaware that the lawmaker had made such remarks.
Only when told about the issue did some of the constituents react, some rather emotionally.
Thangaletchumy Ragadevan, 50, from Kampung Pokok Machang, claimed Shabudin was not a caring MP and that the Indian community in the constituency had been marginalised.
"Never mind all that, it is frustrating to hear his latest remark about rape, it is a total embarrassment to the people here.
"We never expected to hear this from an educated man," she said.
"Imagine if anything happened to the ladies here, he might just say 'forgive the guy and marry him".
Shabudin has since claimed that his initial remarks were taken out of context and clarified he was referring to statutory rape case involving consensual sex between a couple, one of whom may be underaged.
Another constituent, Rozaini Ahmad, wondered what message Shabudin was trying to convey to the youths, with his remarks.
Rozaini, who ha daughter, said the notion of getting a rape victim married to her rapist was unthinkable in this day and age, and personally, he would never subject his daughter to such a trauma.
"Shabudin talks as if he is encouraging rape, we should not give our youths any ideas like that.
"His suggestion is really inappropriate as the Gen Y may misunderstand his proposal and think it is okay to rape, as you can then marry your victim as an easy way out," said the 43 year-old businessman.
Farrah Erika Ruslan fumed when she heard about Shabudin's remarks, calling it "utterly senseless".
"He has definitely insulted woman, as he focused on the issue of women alone.
"It is completely wrong for a rapist to marry his victim, he (the rapist) should pay for his crime, and not solve it with marriage," said the 20-something petite woman.
She also expressed disgust at Shabudin's remark about some young girls, aged between nine and 12 years old, having bodies akin to an 18-year-old.
Two women, in their 50s, who came to observe a rally held by Pakatan Harapan in Tasek Gelugor, to urge Shabudin's sacking from Umno yesterday evening, declined to comment on the issue.
However, they said Shabudin's justification that his contentious suggestions were in line in Islam, was wrong.
"His suggestion is against Islam, and it is shameful to hear such words," said one woman, who requested anonymity.
The other concurred. "It is like giving the rapist a good opportunity to escape his crimes, a free offer, but who suffers? Only the victim."
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