Muda Deputy Objectifying Women Not Funny Pm Must Apologise

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Muda is shining a spotlight on a generational gap on whether Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim telling an 18-year-old girl that he would ask her number if he were younger is funny or creepy.
For Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz (above), those who would consider it a joke are mostly "older men" who don't understand why women, who hear such remarks daily, don't smile or laugh in response.
"Anwar has to apologise publicly as a good example to other men.
"Make them understand that this behaviour is not okay. Especially coming from someone with a position of power.
"If you’re impressed by the girl, just compliment her without making comments that objectify her," she tweeted this morning.
Backlash against Anwar
Last night, during a town hall with youths in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan - a Form Six student who introduced herself as Adriana, asked Anwar two questions about how the younger generation can help Malaysia become a first-class nation and about the government’s plan regarding the ringgit’s value.
In a short video of the event posted by Astro Awani, Anwar was seen praising Adriana for her articulate manner in posing her questions.
“If I were younger, I would have asked for your number,” he joked.
In response, the moderator also jested, “If Datuk Seri gets it, please give it to me.”
Anwar then quipped that his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail always watches these livestreams.
The backlash against Anwar over the remarks on social media also saw a video of incumbent Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Abdullah making off-colour remarks being dredged up.
In the video excerpt, Amar is seen saying that women can make good leaders who have vision, bravery, and integrity.
"But if you don't become elected representatives, at least you can be the 'young wife' (isteri muda) to a minister," he then added.
Isteri muda is often used as a slang term for the second, third, or fourth wife in a polygamous marriage.
Amira Aisya said this is another example of an "older man thinking that they are funny".
"Both (Anwar and Amar) are wrong. This (Amar's remarks) is in fact even worse!
"Women are not objects," she said.
Sexist behaviour
The Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson added that she didn't expect anything less from "these people" - in a possible reference to older leaders in PAS.
However, she said she always saw Anwar as a far more decent person.
"If he apologises, it sends an even stronger message that he’s a far better person," she said.
Meanwhile, Muda information chief Luqman Long took issue with those who defended Anwar on social media.
"You can send as many cyber troopers and enablers as you have. It does not, in any way, justify creepy sexist behaviour.
"If we switch (the scenario) to any other PN-politicians, there’ll be a different tune from all of you," he tweeted.
Bersatu legal and constitution bureau deputy chairperson Sasha Lyna Abdul Latif has also called for Anwar to apologise for his remarks last night. - Mkini

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