Umno’s former senator Akbar Ali has sparked a Twitter storm afte he made a rape remark against PKR lawyer Latheefa Koya.

Akbar, who appeared to take offence at Latheefa’s advocacy against the Sedition Act, said he wouldn’t rape her even if there was no law against it.
 
“Even if I'm given unlimited freedom by your goodself holier than thou, I won’t rape you,” he said in a Twitter posting to Latheefa.

At this, Latheefa responded: “What is wrong with you people?”

Akbar’s comment invited a torrent of criticism and he subsequently tried to defend himself by saying: “Did I say I want to rape? Please read.”

However, netizens continued to slam him, stating that he should not have taken rape lightly and used it to attack political opponents.

“What kind of cowardly misogynist are u to suggest rape in an argument over sedition? shame on you,” said lawyer Eric Paulsen.

Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim responded: “Disgusting. Comparing freedom to be a dignified human being to freedom to sexually harass a woman.”

Another lawyer, Michelle Yesudas, described Akbar’s comment as an attempt at fame.

“Yesterday he was a random Umno unknown dude, today a giant misogynist creep,” she said.

An unrepentant Akbar later posted a video of Latheefa confronting public servants, calling her a “bully”.

Akbar was a senator from 2008 to 2011 and was nominated by the Malacca state assembly.