KUALA LUMPUR – What was supposed to be a live discussion on Facebook about protecting students from an unsafe school environment instead became toxic, with a number of abhorrent and lewd comments left by viewers.
The hour-long session yesterday between opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam was held to discuss rape culture and debate solutions on how to make schools safer for children.
Despite overwhelming support in the comments section for Ain Husniza, who recently exposed her teacher’s trivialisation of rape, a number of repulsive remarks were also aimed at the teenager.
Most of the distasteful comments slammed Ain Husniza for supposedly wearing inappropriate attire and for not covering up properly, while there were also those who said the issue they were discussing is not a pressing one.
Ain was dressed in an dark blue top during the Facebook live event, moderated by cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Alhaque, popularly known as Zunar.
Netizen Zulkarnain Jamaluddin commented that the Ain Husniza’s case was an isolated one and should not be magnified.
He added that the most important thing for a Muslim student is “to return to the actual teachings of Islam”.
Zamatul Hairul described the issue being discussed as “stupid”, and that it was foolish of Anwar to even bother about the minority voices, saying it is more important to consider the views of the majority.
Another Facebook user, Ayi BG said: “Ain oi. You are talking about morals, but you yourself are immoral to Allah, for not covering your aurat.”
Commenter Asmara Kirana Istiqamah said: “Not taking care of the aurat. What kind of education is this? Doesn’t the future prime minister (Anwar) want to advise her about covering up?”
Another user, Muhammad Dhiyauzzaky, said: “Speaking to Anwar but is there no common sense to wear more appropriate clothing?”
A few others also blamed Ain Husniza’s father, Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab, for "not educating" his daughter properly on how to dress.
Muhammad Afrizanizam said: “Her father is also stupid. Ask his daughter to wear more appropriately, put on a tudung (scarf), and don’t wear such a sexy top.”
However, many also defended Ain Husniza, commending her on her courage to speak out.
Atiqah Zulkifli said regardless whether she covers up, rape is still forbidden and is a crime, noting that under the law and Islamic teachings, no situation justifies rape.
Aini Nurulhalim said: “Whether a woman wears a scarf or not, the result is the same if the boys can’t control their nafsu (lust). Please just lower your gaze, boys.”
Another user Reduan MA posted: “There are some in the community who appear more concerned about their external appearances. It’s okay (to some) to be as bad as the devil, as long as one’s appearance is Islamic.”
Fellow commenter Nurfahim Akhbar Mohd Akhbar similarly said that the attire one wears makes no difference, and that the issue of rape can only be addressed if children are taught about it properly at a young age.
Ain Husniza recently made headlines after posting a TikTok video alleging that a male teacher in her school had made rape jokes in class, sending shockwaves across the country and inciting Malaysians to demand better safety for students.
She has lodged a police report against the teacher and on the rape threat she received from a fellow schoolmate, although no action has yet been taken by the school against the two individuals.
Ain Husniza, who has stopped attending classes for fear of her safety, had said previously that this incident highlights the urgent need for educational reform. – The Vibes, May 7, 2021
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