Federal minister Azalina Othman Said's vociferous defence of scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, whose government's rating is at an all-time low, has not endeared her to netizens.

The minister in the Prime Minister's Department's brash style of taking on opponents has also earned her criticism, ranging from mild to downright derogatory.

While other ministers have also been equally vocal in standing up for the prime minister, they have not seen insults on the level experienced by Azalina, such as those questioning her attire or orientation.

Gender groups say such derogatory insults are uncalled-for even if the minister were to make political statements that people may find unacceptable.

"A public figure's competence has nothing to do with his or her gender, sexual orientation, or physical appearance.

"If indeed an elected representative is ill-informed, incompetent, or prioritises party survival over the needs of the constituents, would that not be enough substance to comment on?

"Why the need to drag in cheap shots over looks and perceived sexuality?" Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower) president A Janarthani told Malaysiakini .

Janarthani said the focus on appearance over substance reinforces the toxic nature of the current political environment that discourages women of talent from participating in politics and public life.

Perpetuating gender hate

Meanwhile, Justice for Sisters activist S Thilaga said people have diverse forms of gender expressions and forcing someone to conform to the feminine and masculine binary is tantamount to violence.

"And so is shaming, degrading and dehumanising people for the way that they look, present themselves, and for just being themselves. No one should experience violence, discrimination and stigma for being who they are," she said.

Thilaga added that while it was okay to call people out for their ‘absurdity’, critics should not go overboard.

"Of course, we encourage critical thinking and freedom of speech and expression in all spaces for all.

"However, it is important to reflect on our behaviour even when we are being critical and calling people out on their absurdity.

"It is important that we do not instigate violence or hate towards people, and perpetuate sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic behaviour in an already sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic society," she said.

Thilaga said such incidences are a reminder to lawmakers, including Azalina, about the need to take meaningful steps to integrate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) in the country's laws.

Malaysia is a signatory to the Cedaw.

"Azalina is not the first person to experience 'violence' on the grounds of gender expression, and she will not be the last, if people in positions of privilege do not take meaningful steps to create greater consciousness and awareness regarding diversity, including gender diversity.

"It is also important to highlight the countless yet unreported stories of people who have experienced verbal violence, termination and denial of employment, denial of housing, and violations of other fundamental human rights because of the gender expression," she said.