Sexual insults, threats keep M'sian women away from politics, says opposition MP

SHAH ALAM - A DAP MP says Malaysian women stay away from male-dominated politics as they face sexual insults and threats, urging authorities for immediate action to encourage women into politics.

DAP Women Wing’s International Secretary, Kasthuri Patto said Malaysia is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Human Rights Council which is against discrimination and bias.

Due to that, she said the government needs to create a safe space for women to take part in politics, and to stop the culture of sexism and misogynistic language which has become a norm in this country.

She spoke on MCA Youth Chief Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting who was a victim of sexual harassment and further faced threats in 2020. A police report was lodged over the harassment, she added.

Kasthuri was speaking during Sinar Daily's talkshow called Relatable, titled ‘Breaking the Bias: Are there enough women in the Johor polls?’. The show was held to mark International Women’s Day 2022.

Wong and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar were also present at the talk show.

As for Khaidhirah, Kasthuri said the actress turned politician has experienced fair share of insults and online abuses.

The Batu Kawan MP hoped the government would be firm in providing a safe space for female politicians to break any bias towards women wanting to join the politics.

“If you can insult the royalty, the police would come after you. The same way police should treat sexual insults, rape and death threats against women in the politics,” she said.

She added a firm action will ensure women feel protected and this will create a safe space for the fairer sex and to finally break away from the culture of "toxic politics".

The number of Malaysian women in politics remains low as seen in Johor polls with only 37 women out of 239 candidates.