A recent political protest in Malaysia has sparked a nationwide debate over the misuse of menstrual products and the persistent stigma surrounding menstruation. In a stunt that was meant to symbolize political silence, members of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Negeri Sembilan seen Wearing Sanitary Pad as Face Mask In Protest against the appointment of a senator.
However, the gesture was widely condemned as tone-deaf, misogynistic, and offensive to women, particularly given the ongoing issues of period poverty in the country.
What began as an attempt to express discontent over political appointments quickly turned into a national controversy, drawing sharp criticism from women’s rights groups, party leaders, and the general public. The incident has highlighted not only the deep-rooted taboos associated with menstruation in Malaysian society but also the careless manner in which political protests can sometimes ignore or belittle important social issues.
Wearing Sanitary Pad as Face Mask In Protest
The protest was carried out by nearly 50 members of the DAP’s Negeri Sembilan chapter, who wore sanitary pads over their faces to symbolize what they called the “airtight silence” of the state party committee. Their grievance centered around the appointment of a senator perceived as an outsider, bypassing a local candidate they supported.
According to the protesters, the sanitary pad — described as “thick, dense, highly absorbent and soundproof” — was chosen to represent the committee’s unwillingness to hear or respond to local voices. While their intent may have been to draw attention to internal party dynamics and frustrations, the choice of using sanitary pads as masks crossed a line for many.
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Instead of provoking thoughtful dialogue, the protest was seen as trivializing the realities faced by millions of women and girls. In Malaysia, where menstrual stigma remains a significant problem and some girls still miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products, such symbolism was viewed as not only inappropriate but harmful.
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The backlash was immediate and widespread. Critics called out the protesters for exploiting a product associated with a natural and essential part of women’s health. The act was labeled “misogynistic,” with observers pointing out that it reinforced the very shame and stigma the world is working hard to dismantle. For many, this was not just a case of bad optics but a deeper failure to understand the broader implications of using menstruation as a political tool.
Public and Internal Party Condemnation Highlights the Disconnect
The Democratic Action Party itself did not shy away from condemning the actions of its members. The women’s wing of the party in Kuala Lumpur issued a strong statement, saying, “The menstrual pad is not a tool for personal gain or internal protest. It represents the lived experiences of millions of women and should not be exploited to make a political point, especially within our own party.”
Deputy Communications Minister and Wanita DAP Chief Teo Nie Ching echoed the same sentiments, expressing disappointment over the stunt. “Using sanitary pads as tools of attack or ridicule only reinforces the shame and stigma long associated with menstruation,” she said, stressing that such behavior contradicts the party’s commitment to gender equality and social justice.
Party Secretary-General Anthony Loke also described the protest as “highly inappropriate,” joining the growing chorus of disapproval. Many within the party expressed concern that the incident could alienate voters, especially women, and damage the party’s reputation as a progressive political force.
Women’s rights organizations were equally vocal in their condemnation. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) called the act “nonsensical and deeply regressive.” Amanda Shweeta Louis, the group’s senior advocacy officer, highlighted the issue of period poverty in Malaysia and said, “In a country where many women and girls still struggle to afford menstrual products, it’s deeply insensitive for men to waste and weaponize them in the political arena.”
The protest not only hurt the sentiments of many women but also sent the wrong message at a time when advocates are fighting hard to normalize conversations around menstruation. Instead of promoting awareness, the stunt undermined these efforts and risked further entrenching negative perceptions of periods as something shameful.
An Apology That Failed to Address the Core Issue
Following the uproar, Lee Kong Hing, chairperson of the DAP Veterans Club in Negeri Sembilan and one of the key figures involved in the protest, issued a public apology. “I actually have a lot of respect for women,” he said during a press briefing. “I had no intention of insulting women, and I hope they won’t misunderstand my intention. I was just using it as a prop.”
While the apology may have been meant to quell criticism, it failed to address the deeper issue at hand — the normalization of using women’s bodies and health as props in political theatre. Many viewed the apology as insufficient and tone-deaf in its own way, especially since it did not acknowledge the wider problem of menstrual stigma or the impact such actions could have on ongoing gender equality initiatives.
Critics pointed out that respect for women goes beyond intention — it requires awareness and accountability. The fact that a group of men thought it appropriate to use sanitary pads as facial coverings, without anticipating the negative consequences, speaks volumes about the disconnect between political activism and social sensitivity.
The incident has since prompted calls for better gender sensitivity training within political parties and civil society. Activists argue that politicians — especially those representing progressive parties — must be held to higher standards when it comes to respecting women’s rights and public sentiments.
The sanitary pad protest in Negeri Sembilan has become a case study in how not to make a political statement. What was meant as a symbolic gesture turned into a national embarrassment, sparking outrage across political, social, and gender advocacy circles. More than just an unfortunate event, it exposed the dangers of using sensitive symbols without considering the broader social implications.
In a country where period poverty still exists and menstrual stigma remains strong, using sanitary products as a prop trivializes real issues faced by countless women and girls. The protest inadvertently undermined the very values that many within the DAP claim to uphold — inclusivity, gender equality, and respect for human dignity.
Moving forward, this incident should serve as a reminder for all political actors to think deeply about the symbols they choose to represent their causes. Political expression is vital in a democratic society, but it should never come at the cost of alienating or belittling marginalized groups. The responsibility lies not just in the message being sent, but in how that message is delivered — and whether it uplifts or undermines the values of equality, empathy, and respect.