Why I won’t join the march against ‘toxic politics’
If civil society leaders refuse to apply the same scrutiny, which they accord BN, to a coalition that seeks to be Malaysia’s alternative government in less than a year, then who can we count on to keep the new government in check?
Boo Su-Lyn, The Malay Mail Online
A group of prominent women activists correctly highlighted that Malaysia suffers from ”toxic politics“ like physical violence, online abuse, racism and sexism in the political sphere.
However, while they plan to organise a street demonstration against these things, it’s unclear whether the group of pro-Opposition activists will also condemn, with equal measure, the sexism and vitriol against Barisan Nasional (BN) women politicians.
Some of the most hateful attacks I’ve seen target the sexuality of one female BN lawmaker and the size of the wife of another.
Female politicians and outspoken women who comment on political and social issues commonly face sexist remarks and in some instances, rape threats. I myself have been called a “b****” and worse by both conservatives and liberals.
If rights activists want to promote civility in Malaysia’s political discourse, then they should be non-partisan and call out perpetrators on both sides of the divide.
This is especially pertinent since the family members of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now heading Pakatan Harapan (PH), are among the organisers of the march.
Toxic politics affects everyone, regardless of what political ideology they believe in.
While the incident of comedian Sulaiman Yassin publicly slapping film producer David Teo for supposed disrespect towards the prime minister was alarming, it should be noted that Teo did not press charges. (If it were me, I would have slapped my attacker back.)
The police cannot take action without an official complaint.
Malaysia’s political culture needs to change. There should be greater civility and respect between government and Opposition politicians and their supporters.
Lawmakers in the male-dominated Parliament should not make sexist remarks against their female counterparts. Lawmakers should also have the freedom to reject any Bill even if it comes from their own party, like in mature democracies, instead of blindly toeing the party line.
Civil society can help play a role in creating a healthier democracy and greater engagement between the government, the Opposition and citizens.
Unfortunately, many of today’s civil society leaders are overtly aligned to PH.
There’s nothing wrong with having a voting preference. But civil society leaders cannot claim to fight for the interests of all citizens when they publicly express support for the Opposition.
It is particularly disingenuous to declare a stance against “toxic politics”, but only against toxicity from the BN side.
