A young DAP leader in Penang has complained of a third round of attacks by individuals and organisations which she claimed aimed to "demonise and mar her reputation".

Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who is DAP Wanita national assistant publicity secretary, said these malicious people have labelled her as “anti-Islam”.

She conceded that this is nothing new for Muslims who are not affiliated with the mainstream right.

She said she has also been labelled as “a traitor” although this is expected of Malays who seek just treatment for all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion and gender.

Earlier this week, Syerleena said she was informed that several Facebook accounts have begun to recycle old lies about her.

The Facebook users “Bockes Boxer”, "Nthe Garcia" and "Wan Abidin Zain" have shared some malicious images of her via social media, she added. 

She cited an example where "Nthe Garcia", who shared the post in Friends of Umno Facebook account condemned Syerleena for worshipping (berkiblatkan) DAP.

"Congratulations. At last you are successful in becoming  firewood in hell. This is the result of worshipping the DAP. The Chinese DAP are using the Malays to destroy the religion of Islam," said the post.

Along with the post was a photo of Syerleena speaking, and a caption that says "I swear will attack Islamic institutions especially Jakim for DAP".



At a press conference in the party's headquarters on Jalan Rangoon, Penang yesterday, Syerleena said this is not the first time but rather round three of vile, baseless attacks and political slander against her.

"The first round started exactly one year ago, while the second round of attacks occurred roughly in September 2017 and the most recent was brought to my attention just this week," noted the Penang Island City councillor.

"For all three rounds, I have lodged police reports and have sought legal assistance. 

"However, today, given the gravity of the situation, I demand that justice prevail and those who are insistent on spreading such lies stop their stupid games," she urged.

The police informed Syerleena on March 7 via a letter that her case would be referred to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) for further action.

"Apparently, the MCMC must disclose information to my lawyers for further action on the Facebook pages which attacked me," she later told Malaysiakini.

Syerleena, 38, started being active in DAP politics in 2014, when she was the party’s newly-minted Bukit Bendera Socialist Youth secretary, and the division’s women's wing political education director.

A prolific writer, she is one of the new breed of female party members like Teluk Intan by-election candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 31, and Young Syefura Othman, 29.

Syerleena is well-known for her many articles and statements on women's rights, and had no qualms criticising Islamic institutions for "demonising" vocal women.

Accompanying Syerleena at the press event were MPs Ramkarpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and P Kasthurirani, and Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Lim Siew Khim.