DAP’S Syerleena Abdul Rashid is used to having accusations hurled at her for being a threat to Islam and a traitor to her race.

But the attacks against her hit new lows when she received a handwritten death note earlier this month.

“It is obvious why I am targeted, being a Malay-Muslim woman in DAP,” Syerleena, who has lodged several police reports and complaints with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over the numerous death threats against her, both offline and online.

Despite Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the May 9 general election, the anti-DAP sentiments within the Malay community remain strong, thanks to Barisan Nasional and Umno demonising the party as anti-Islam, said the first-term Seri Delima assemblyman.

“When you have certain things drilled into your head every day, you will believe it as the truth. People who don’t know will always fear the unknown,” she said of her attackers.

Syerleena is not the only Malay-Muslim leader in DAP to be victimised.

Her uncle, Rosli Hanafi, faced the same problem when he was fielded as DAP’s candidate for the Batu Uban state seat in the 1995 general election.

“People called him all sorts of names. He was accused of betraying his race. My uncle faced what we are now going through today.

“It all boils down to being Malays in DAP. That is always going to be a thing we have to deal with,” she said.

The attacks against DAP’s Malay-Muslim leaders largely centre around the party’s opposition to the adoption of hudud law, which is championed by Islamist party PAS.

Former Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, who is now Tanjung Bungah assemblyman and a Penang state exco, was attacked over the hudud issue last year.

“There were slanderous posters targeting him circulated everywhere,” said Syerleena.

Being Malay and different

On a more personal level, Syerleena believes she is targeted because she is an outspoken defender of women’s rights and does not shy away from calling out religious bigotry and intolerance.

“Just because someone dresses differently or doesn’t wear a headscarf, it doesn’t make the person less Muslim. People should understand this.

“I also tend to be vocal on certain issues, like how women are treated, extremism, how religious interpretations are used and how they go against universal values… take your pick.”

Syerleena said she never hoped to become a controversial figure for speaking up against bigotry and gender issues, adding that she was merely looking to create some impact in the struggle for change, social justice and reforms.

“Political reform did happen on May 9 and I thought that hate and racial politics would stop, but unfortunately, we still have these elements around.”

Not giving up

Syerleena urged the authorities to clamp down on those threatening her, adding that she had lodged her first report in March last year but no action was taken.

“The previous inaction by the authorities when BN was in power has led to what we face today. Action must be taken this time.”

Despite being prepared to face backlash against her outspoken views against Islamic authorities, Syerleena said she was shocked by the level of hatred directed at her.

“To wish someone harm just because they are different and have other views just goes against logic, common sense and decency.

“And to base all that on something that is not even real and making assumptions without verification… that’s very dangerous.”

She admitted to being unnerved by what had happened but said she and her team would not be cowed by fear.

Instead, she said she will focus on improving the lives of Seri Delima folk, which include upgrading the local parks and giving local musicians and artistes better platforms to flourish and hone their art and skills.

“I have told my staff to be more careful and we will work for those who appreciate what we do.

“We should not be intimidated when we know that these threats are to create fear and to stop and make us give up.

“I will continue my work and give constructive criticism. I don’t intend to give up any time soon.” – July 19, 2018.