It was supposed to be a regular event where young minds could engage with political leaders, but a recent gathering featuring Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took an unexpected turn when a remark of his sparked controversy. 

Many are now calling for Anwar to apologize for what they perceive as a sexist and inappropriate comment directed at a Form 6 student during the Temu Anwar event in Negeri Sembilan.

What really happened?

The incident unfolded on June 24 when a confident and eloquent student named Ariana posed thoughtful questions about Malaysia's path to becoming a first-class nation and the government's strategy to address the declining value of the Ringgit. 

He jokingly asked for her number

Anwar, seemingly impressed by her intelligence, responded by complimenting her and stating that he would ask for her number if he were younger. The forum's moderator joined in, jokingly asking Anwar to share the student's contact details.

While Anwar swiftly dismissed the comment as a joke, it didn't take long for netizens to voice their concerns. 

They pointed out a similar incident involving local actress Amelia Henderson as the event moderator, where Anwar humorously claimed to forget questions when looking at her. 

This recent pattern of playful banter raised eyebrows and led to a broader discussion about the appropriateness of such remarks coming from a public figure.

Is it really sexual harassment? 

Bersatu's Sasha Lyna Abdul Latiff was among those who condemned Anwar's alleged sexist behaviour. She called on the Prime Minister to apologize, expressing disappointment in his disregard for the intelligence and capabilities of women, reducing them to objects of flirtation. 

Sasha emphasized that Ariana's questions deserved a proper answer, and she questioned whether the same treatment would be given if a male student had posed the same inquiry. 

We hope that the women leaders in Pakatan Harapan and the Unity government do not keep silent over this manifest example of sexism by their own leader. They must speak up for girls and women or be branded hypocrites, she stated. 

Muda Deputy President Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz also voiced her concerns, highlighting that those dismissing the incident as a joke were often older men who failed to understand why women, who face such remarks daily, wouldn't find them amusing. 

Amira emphasized the need for Anwar to apologize and set a positive example for other men, teaching them that such behaviour is unacceptable.

The incident has ignited a debate about whether Anwar's comments can be classified as sexual harassment. Women in Power, a prominent advocacy group, supported Muda deputy president Amira Aisya's stance and labelled Anwar's behaviour as inappropriate. 

However, not everyone agrees on the severity of the incident

Some netizens argue that while the comment was undoubtedly inappropriate for a public figure, it does not meet the threshold of sexual harassment. 

As the debate rages on, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and fostering a culture of dignity and equality. 

Regardless of the intent behind remarks, it is crucial to create an environment where individuals, especially those in positions of power, are mindful of their words and the impact they can have.