From Trolls to Threats: Lived Experiences and the Impacts of Online Gender-Based Violence

On 3rd March 2025, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and Malaysiakini successfully hosted a closed-door forum on Gender-Sensitive Reporting and Online Violence Against Women in Politics at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Chinatown. The event brought together media professionals, civil society organisations, and political leaders to strengthen gender-sensitive reporting in Malaysia. As online threats against women in politics continue to rise, this forum served as a crucial step toward promoting responsible journalism and ensuring safer digital spaces.

The forum featured two in-depth sessions: "Breaking Bias: Media Coverage, Harmful Narratives, and Gendered Disinformation Affecting Women in Politics" and "From Trolls to Threats: Lived Experiences and the Impacts of Online Gender-Based Violence."

Dr. Benjamin Loh, SASS BDMC Course Director, participated as a panellist in the second session, sharing the stage with Pang Sock Tao (DAP Assemblyperson for Kuala Kubu Baharu) and Amira Aisya Abd Aziz (MUDA Assemblyperson for Puteri Wangsa). Moderated by seasoned journalist Melisa Melina Idris from Astro Awani, the discussion highlighted the critical role of responsible journalism in mitigating online violence and fostering a more inclusive political environment.