DAP leaders condemn protest using menstrual products as offensive and disrespectful to women

A controversial protest by Democratic Action Party (DAP) veterans involving sanitary pads has drawn strong condemnation from top party leaders, reigniting debates on gender sensitivity and internal party discipline in Malaysia.

A Shocking Display Draws Condemnation

On August 3, around 50 members of the Negeri Sembilan DAP Veterans Club held a protest against the nomination of Vincent Wu Him Ven, a Johor native, as senator for their state. In a bizarre act, they wore masks made from sanitary pads—symbolising, according to them, the leadership’s “airtight silence” on local dissatisfaction.

DAP Secretary-General and Seremban MP Anthony Loke labelled the protest “highly inappropriate and insensitive,” stressing that party members must use internal channels to voice concerns. “Not all decisions can satisfy everyone,” Loke said after an event distributing the Jalur Gemilang in Seremban.

Senator Nomination Sparks Internal Rift

The protest targeted the nomination of Vincent Wu, who is slated to replace A. Kesavadas Nair, once his term ends in August. Protesters argued that a local candidate should have been selected. However, Loke clarified that no law mandates that a senator must hail from the same state.

“Since 2018, both PKR and DAP have been allocated one seat each, and the individual can be from anywhere as long as they are a Malaysian citizen,” he explained, adding that Wu’s nomination would be presented at the Negeri Sembilan assembly sitting on August 5.

Women’s Wing Reacts: “Disrespectful and Shameful”

The act triggered strong backlash, particularly from women leaders within DAP. Teo Nie Ching, Wanita DAP chief and Deputy Communications Minister, condemned the protest as disrespectful to women.

“Using sanitary pads as tools of attack or ridicule only reinforces the shame and stigma long associated with menstruation,” she said. Teo added that while Malaysia is still battling period poverty, wasting menstrual products for political theatrics sends a dangerous message.

Not Representative of the Entire Party

Anthony Loke emphasised that the protest involved only a minority and does not reflect DAP’s values. He urged members to uphold respect, especially during disagreements. The DAP women’s wing echoed this, urging constructive dialogue over “provocative acts that risk undermining the dignity of women.”

Their statement read: “The menstrual pad is not a tool for personal gain or internal protest. It represents the lived experiences of millions of women.”

Symbolism or Stunt? Public Reaction Mixed

Lee Kong Hing, the veteran club chairperson, defended the act as symbolic, calling the sanitary pad mask “dense, soundproof, and absorbent” to represent the state leadership’s silence. However, critics argue such symbolism crosses ethical lines, trivialising women’s struggles and undermining the party’s public image.

While no disciplinary action has been announced, the incident has raised questions about DAP’s internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.

This incident underscores the tension between grassroots activism and party leadership in Malaysia’s political landscape. For observers in Indonesia and Singapore, it’s a reminder that political expression, while vital, must balance freedom with respect, especially when touching sensitive societal issues such as gender dignity.

Sources: The Star (2025) , Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Anthony Loke, Teo Nie Ching, DAP Veterans, Sanitary Pad Protest, Vincent Wu, Negeri Sembilan Senator