August 16, 2019. Tashny Sukumaran had visited a dermatologist in Kuala Lumpur to get the dry skin on her shin checked.



Instead, she was sexually harassed by the dermatologist who began touching her legs and thighs inappropriately.

The Malaysian correspondent for the South China Morning Post took to Twitter to reveal her ordeal. Tashny's ordeal has since been dubbed Malaysia's version of the #MeToo moment.

2/ I showed the doctor the dry skin on my shins. I was recently diagnosed with a genetic condition called ichthyosis, and went to Ruban Nathan for a second opinion.

Without asking or informing me, he grabbed my leg and pulled it onto his lap. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) August 16, 2019

Yes, Tashny did let the dermatologist know that what he was doing was making her uncomfortable. Twice.

4/ This total creep STARTED MOVING HIS HAND UP MY LEG towards my knee and thigh. I moved my leg away (couldn't 'escape' because of the angle) and told him that the dry skin was limited to just my shins. He stopped for a moment and then DID IT AGAIN - tried to fondle my knee. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) August 16, 2019

6/ Predatory Doctor then tried to initiate a conversation about my job, my employer, and what was new in politics. My guess is that he was trying to prolong our dialogue to either gauge how pissed off I was, or somehow pacify me. This is speculation. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) August 16, 2019



To make matters worse, Tashny was charged US$36.80 (RM150) for the check-up.

Weirded out by the entire experience, Tashny sent a complain email to the Malaysian Medical Council and the country's Health Ministry, describing in detail what had transpired.



She then took to Twitter to warn others of the dermatologist. Turns out, Tashny was not the only person creepily touched by the dermatologist.

There were many others.

In response, the dermatologist then demanded Tashny to delete her Twitter thread or he'll sue the journalist. She didn't budge.



However, what happened next totally shook Tashny. The dermatologist had lodged a police report against her for criminal defamation. This was to become a court case.

4/ I am now being CHARGED in the criminal courts because I came forward to expose a harasser. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 14, 2020

6/ My own police report was filed ‘No Further Action’ because the police ‘could not find sufficient evidence’. This is exactly why women do not come forward. What is the point if the system has failed and continues to fail us? #MeToo — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 14, 2020

8/ I want to thank all of you for your solidarity. I received a fair share of online abuse, Ruban’s wife & sister created Twitter accounts to call me names. But you guys – my friends in whatever sense of the word you prefer – supported me and the other survivors. You are heroes. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 14, 2020

Tashny was scheduled to be charged under Section 499 of the Malaysian Penal Code for criminal defamation on January 15.



The law in itself, is archaic as it was inherited from the British.

10/ (Note that MANY COUNTRIES have repealed criminal defamation – a law often used against journalists worldwide – as an offence because it violates freedom of expression. I feel this should be an obvious consideration on the part of the PH government vis a vis legal reform.) — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 14, 2020

However, a few hours left from being charged in court, Malaysia’s Attorney General Tommy Thomas withdrew the criminal defamation charges against Tashny.

In disbelief, the journalist had to call the police to confirm.

16/ OKAY GUYS OKAY OKAY OKAY. Inspector just called and said NO NEED TO GO TO COURT. But I am still organising that Milo party - let us meet soon. Will keep y'all posted. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 14, 2020

While expressing relief, Tashny said this incident is proof why many women don't talk about sexual harassment in public.

“I feel vindicated that the [attorney general] has decided not to use this archaic section of the penal code against me,” she said to the South China Morning Post.



“Whilst I am relieved that I will not be charged in court, this episode has nevertheless created a chilling effect on similarly placed women who have spoken out or are thinking of speaking out against sexual harassment,” she said, adding that women's complaints on sexual harassment are often seen as defamatory and even dismissed.

“I also urge the government to look into the fault-lines of our criminal justice system and create a safe space for women to speak out on issues impacting us,” she said.

When asked if she was afraid that she had made a mistake by tweeting her experience, Tashny had this to say to Mashable Southeast Asia: "No, never felt I made a mistake. I did what was right and spoke the truth."

However, she is saddened but not surprised that her report was given an NFA label. It's an acronym for "No Further Action".

20/ I have to mention that my report was labelled NFA - No Further Action. Justice has still not been meted out, and so I urge the authorities to take a closer look at my (and other) complaints. — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) January 15, 2020

Cover image sourced from Tashny Sukumaran / Twitter.