Following criticism over their silence, several Pakatan Harapan leaders have come forth to condemn the misogynist and personal cyberattacks directed at #UndiRosak campaigner Maryam Lee.

DAP deputy secretary-general Teresa Kok explained that many Harapan leaders had been busy travelling and thus might not have paid attention to social media, but maintained that such attacks were not condoned.

“I must say that I am very sympathetic to her because these are the kind of attacks I have faced and I am still experiencing it.

“We definitely don’t condone these sort of sexist cyberattacks against her... and we urge Harapan supporters and party members not to do this to her anymore because she has her freedom of speech and freedom of opinion,” she told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

Teresa also urged for netizens to stop defaming Maryam.

“Many Harapan leaders have been victims of character assassination, so we shouldn’t do this to anyone who disagrees with our stand,” she added.

Yesterday, Maryam published a video on her personal Facebook wall showing doctored images, sexist comments and accusations that she was “paid by BN” which she had received on since participating as a panellist at a forum discussing “Undi Rosak” (spoiled votes) on Jan 25.

She blamed Harapan supporters for the attacks and condemned Harapan leaders for their silence despite previously decrying “toxic politics”.

Meanwhile, Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (photo) condemned the attacks.

"I heavily disagree with comments, statements rife with misogyny and sexism, and the threatening words used against Maryam Lee.

"For me, I believe the culture of agreeing to disagree is a symbol of a healthy democracy, and I think we should uphold that," he told Malaysiakini when contacted.

No more personal attacks

DAP Wanita also decried the attacks and urged for constructive debates.

“These attacks amount to cyberbullying and in some cases, sexual harassment, and we vehemently oppose such abusive tactics to cow and intimidate those who differ in opinion to us.

“The right to express one's views is a fundamental right and one must be allowed to do so without fear. We encourage all Malaysians to engage in constructive debate on public interest issues and not descend to simply making degrading and offensive comments,” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Harapan and PKR youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (photo) urged all disagreements be settled in a democratic manner.

“We condemn all personal attacks and cyberbullying against the activists and believe this should be stopped immediately.

“Democracy will only flourish where there is healthy debate and discussion, this includes respecting those with opposing opinions from us. Any arguments have to be countered with arguments, and not with personal attacks,” he said in a statement today.

Cut the vulgarity

Joining the chorus against the abuse is Klang MP Charles Santiago (photo), who said people were exercising their constitutional right even when they chose to not vote or to cast a spoiled vote.

"It’s appalling that Hafidz Baharom, a political commentator, has been attacked with derogatory remarks and violent threats.

"I also vehemently condemn the attacks against Maryam Lee from Projek Dialog, who was also humiliated by sexist and misogynistic remarks because she is a woman.

“It’s important for us to understand that a person is also exercising his or her constitutional right by abstaining from voting. And deliberately spoiling one’s vote is a legitimate form of electoral process.

“I do not agree with the position taken by those who are campaigning for #UndiRosak, but we certainly need not resort to vulgarity and death threats while doing so,” he said in a statement.

Cyberattacks have also been directed at fellow #UndiRosak campaigner Hafidz.