No question – the vicious attack on the integrity of the popular and dedicated state assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong – is an example of how women politicians are maliciously victimised.

The attack on her personal life illustrates the challenges that women face when entering the public arena and the dirty tactics that are used to discredit them. Few are drawing attention to the gender bias of the invasion of Wong’s public space and the double standards that are being imposed on her as a successful single woman.

Make no bones about it, the unlawful distribution of intimate photographs/videotapes and hypocritical criticism of her sexuality represents a classic case of political rape, where the perpetrators - the photographer and her public critics, such as the discredited ousted Selangor mentri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo - should face legal prosecution and public condemnation for their involvement in this attack.