ASEAN Regional Coalition to #StopDigitalDictatorship INTERSECTIONAL GENDER ANALYSIS: DIGITAL THREAT TOWARDS MARGINALISED GROUP IN MALAYSIA after being appointed as a civil society representative for an oversight mechanism for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This backlash included pressure to review her representation and replace her with an ex-transgender person, along with death threats and doxing, where her personal information and pretransition photos were disclosed without consent.113 Online gender-based violence (OGBV) is an extension of the forms of gender-based violence experienced by women, girls, and LGBTIQA+ community. The advancement and ubiquity of digital technologies have provided an additional fertile ground for gender inequalities and gender-based violence to manifest with even greater intensity and reach. While both men and women may encounter online violence, it is women, girls, and LGBTIQA+ community who are disproportionately targeted based on their gender identity, expression, and roles.107 In the context of Malaysian politics, the year 2022 witnessed a significant milestone for women during the 15th General Elections (GE15). Despite political parties falling short of the 30% target for women political candidates during the nomination process, the year witnessed the highest-ever number of women in political representation in Malaysian history. However, this achievement was overshadowed by a surge in attacks against women political candidates, particularly during the campaign period. Online harassment, online sexual harassment, and misogynistic speech proliferated across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.114 Online sexual harassment, occurring through various digital channels, has become a widespread concern as highlighted by a 2018 survey conducted by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights.108 The survey revealed alarming statistics, indicating that 50.4 percent of respondents had experienced online harassment at least once in their lives, with women experiencing online sexual harassment at nearly twice the rate of men.109 According to Malaysian CSOs, Muslim women’s advocates, in particular, are harassed online by overdressing and behaviour deemed “inappropriate” by those intent on moral policing of women’s bodies and actions. For example, a female politician was harassed online for not putting on make-up, and for supporting a civil society organisation deemed “deviant” by her attackers due to its work on the rights of Muslim women.110 A 2021 survey conducted by Justice for Sisters that involves 220 members of the LGBTIQA+ community indicated that 55% and 53% experienced heightened stress due to sensationalism in the media and online hate speech, while 33% to 39% faced discrimination.111 Despite a prevalent political atmosphere of LGBTIQA+phobia, with instances such as the outing of politicians based on perceived sexual orientation and the dissemination of explicit videos, there has been a lack of action against the hostility, exploitation, and scapegoating of LGBTIQA+ individuals and issues.112 In 2019, a female human rights defender encountered public backlash 168 GENDER DISINFORMATION Furthermore, gendered disinformation is pervasive in Malaysia, also particularly targeting women politicians. For instance, a TikTok video falsely claimed that Datuk Seri Rina binti Mohd Harun’s only accomplishment in 30 months of power was weight loss, diverting attention from her actual contributions. Such disinformation contributes to a hostile environment by perpetuating harmful stereotypes against women, girls, and gendernon-conforming individuals. Statements like Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s assertion that women representatives were ineffective during floods further reinforce damaging stereotypes, portraying women as lacking leadership skills and equal contribution capabilities.115 The impact of gendered disinformation extends beyond the political sphere, affecting women and gender non-conforming individuals in various aspects of life. Addressing this issue is crucial to combat the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and mitigate the harm caused by false narratives. By promoting a more inclusive and respectful online environment, Malaysia can work towards dismantling the structures that facilitate online gender-based violence and foster greater gender equality. Dawn of Digital Dictatorship: Weaponizing the Law Against Online Speech in Southeast Asia