SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) candidate Liyana Dhamirah has taken a bold step by filing a police report against online harassment laced with racist and sexist undertones. The 38-year-old, who is contesting in the Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, believes in leading by example while advocating for minority rights.
Social Media Harassment Unveiled
Liyana reported receiving derogatory comments following her party’s press conference and media engagements, with hateful remarks surfacing particularly on RDU’s official TikTok as well as her personal social media accounts. Commenters mocked her with phrases suggesting she could “eat 50 packets of nasi lemak every day” if elected, and made unsettling references to her ethnicity and gender.
Taking a Stand for Equality
- Liyana, a non-profit organisation manager and RDU’s treasurer, has expressed concern over the toxic discourse minority candidates face.
- She shared that initially, she felt it was best to let the comments slide, but the increasing intensity of the attacks compelled her to act.
- In her police report, she stated, “I need to speak up for the Malay community, for marginalised women and for the integrity of Singapore’s social fabric.”
RDU’s Response
Ravi Philemon, RDU’s secretary-general, voiced strong support for Liyana, declaring that such hateful acts should not be tolerated. He stated, “This election must be a contest of ideas — not a platform for hate.” Philemon emphasised that Singaporean society thrives on racial and religious harmony, and attacks based on ethnicity or religion undermine the core values of the nation.
A Call for Healthy Discourse
Liyana aims to address not just the comments aimed at her but the broader culture of bigotry that can discourage participation from minority groups in the political landscape. “We have worked hard for gender equality; we must not let others’ hate stifle our voices,” she remarked. This incident underscores the ongoing need for respectful dialogue and the defence of inclusivity in Singapore’s vibrant democratic processes.