A healthy political environment is needed for women to take part in active politics, said Wanita Gerakan national deputy chief Ng Siew Lai.

She said lately it had become a trend by some quarters to insult or abuse women politicians.

“Everyone should respect each other, whether men or women. We may have different political views and differences but don’t resort to using personal attacks, threats or abuses,” she said.

Ng was commenting on an incident in Selangor last Saturday when a man threatened to rape a woman assemblyman during a dialogue with residents. The man also called her a prostitute. The woman later lodged a police report.

Ng said most political parties were encouraging women to take part in active politics so that they can contribute more towards nation-building.

She said women joined political parties to serve society as well as wanting to right for women’s rights.