LETTERS:With anonymity in the online world, sexist and inappropriate comments often lurk and target women and children. Awareness campaigns and strong policies need to be tailored urgently to curb and stop this endemic in Malaysia.
The Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM), as the leading organisation that promotes zero tolerance towards violence, abuse and exploitation against women and girls, call upon Malaysian policy makers and societal actors to come together and put a stop on this archaic demeanor by Malaysians.
We, the youth of FRHAM strongly condemn the sexist and inappropriate comments that have been circulating online recently towards our Malaysian gymnastic athlete, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi.
This is not the first time that the debutant Olympian has been targeted by such remarks online. In 2015, despite bringing Malaysia six medals in total at the 2015 SEA Games, she was instead scrutinised online for her dressing by political figures and religious leaders who deemed it as "too revealing" and "inappropriate for Muslim".
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics starting, once again, the gymnast has again been targeted with absurd online behaviour. Similar remarks are made towards Farah Ann in regard to her routine attire at the prestigious sporting event.
This calls for an immediate reconsideration of our education and awareness on issues relating to gender inequality, abuse, exploitation and harassment towards women in Malaysia.
No women should be subjected to such humiliating remarks online. Farah Ann is waving our flag on an international platform. If any, we must rally behind her to give her support and hopefully brings us home the precious Olympic medal we long desire.
We call upon all members of society to strongly condemn this intolerable behaviour by our fellow Malaysians online. Such inappropriate, explicit and ridiculous comments made shall be entitled to legal action for the perpetrators.
Authorities and policy makers must address this immediately and with deep concern as this mirrors the image of our society. Again, FRHAM condemns the uncalled, sexist, and inappropriate remarks towards Farah Ann.
And to you, Farah Ann, we are proud of you! Tokyo Olympics 2020! Malaysia Boleh!
Wong Li Xin
Shafiqah Ashani
Nurliyana Fatihah Mohd Hairi
Izzeti Abdullah
Elvin Velarian Victor
Youth Volunteers of Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times