“Airtight Silence” — Here’s Why DAP Members Wore Sanitary Pads On Their Faces During Protest

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The Negeri Sembilan DAP Veterans Club has come under heavy criticism for staging a protest in which around 50 members wore sanitary pads on their faces

The protest, held on Sunday, 3 August, was aimed at expressing discontent over the proposed nomination of an 'outsider' for the Negeri Sembilan senator's post, reported The Star.

The current senator, A Kesavadas Nair, is set to complete his two-term limit by the end of this month, and Datuk Vincent Wu Him Ven from Johor has reportedly been nominated to succeed him.

According to Oriental Daily, sanitary pads were distributed to the veteran DAP members during the protest to symbolise the party leadership's alleged silence on the issue.

Participants had used the menstrual pads to cover their mouths while posing for photographs.

The protest sparked backlash, prompting state veterans club chairperson Lee Kong Hing to apologise and explain the reason behind the stunt

Speaking to Sin Chew Daily yesterday, 4 August, Lee expressed regret to for using sanitary pads in the protest.

"I have no intention to insult women, and I respect women. I used sanitary pads as a tool and hope that everyone does not misinterpret my intention," he said.

Lee explained that sanitary pads were chosen for their airtight nature, symbolising the 19 state DAP committee members' alleged silence on the issue.

He also revealed that he had prepared three different props for the protest, but ultimately decided to use only the sanitary pads.

"After the incident, some leaders called to express their concern, and a few women also called me. They didn't think the item was harmful to women," he told Sin Chew Daily.

Nonetheless, Lee reiterated his apology to any women who felt insulted.

Earlier, state DAP chief and party secretary-general Anthony Loke condemned the act

Loke said the party veterans should have used internal channels to air their grievances instead of resorting to such an "inappropriate" and "insensitive" method, reported Malaysiakini.

Deputy Communications Minister and Wanita DAP chief Teo Nie Ching also disagreed with the move, saying the stunt reinforced harmful stigma surrounding menstruation.

She reminded party veterans that period poverty remains a serious issue in Malaysia, with some students forced to miss school because they cannot afford menstrual products.

"And yet, here they are wasting large quantities of sanitary pads just to mock their political rivals," said Teo.