The prevalence of such a culture is especially noticeable during the ongoing twin by-elections in Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar.
Kuala Kangsar BN candidate Mastura Mohd Yazid was a victim of low blows almost immediately after her nomination was announced.
It started with Umno Youth leader Syed Rosli Syed Harman Jamalullail’s derogatory attacks against her on Facebook.
This was followed by former Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin’s alleged remarks that the death of her husband, Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, was “divine punishment” for a “sinful” Putrajaya.
That was not all. Over the past one week, racial slurs were thrown without a second thought, ranging from PAS’ “bury the non-believers” remark, to a racist billboard put up in Sekinchan, Sungai Besar.
Speaking to FMT, Bersih head Maria Chin Abdullah said there was no denying the existence of immature politics here.
She reminded all current and future political candidates to act in a way that sets an example to the rest of their party members as well as the public.
“You can criticise; in fact that adds to the vibrancy of an election period.
“But they should avoid saying anything that is racist, sexist and anti-minorities because, as leaders, they should be building the nation, not dividing them.”
Independent political analyst Khoo Kay Peng agreed, saying that many Malaysian political parties are still in the process of democratising and how this would turn out depended greatly on those at the top.
However, he said political maturity was measured by the voters themselves and if they want to put an end to such culture, they should reject those practising it.
This will in the end force political leaders to learn to be more restrained in their behaviour, he added.
“But at the end of the day, if you look at elections in general, things like this happen in any country, even in the United States of America.
“Although the country has a very matured political system, yet you have candidates like Donald Trump saying all kinds of things about the Muslims and the minorities.”
DAP’s Bukit Bendera lawmaker Zairil Khir Johari was in consensus, but while he says it is not “abnormal” to see such practices on a global level, especially during the heat of a campaign period, Malaysia seems to stand out more than the others.
“When leaders themselves do not show good examples, what do you expect from the people?
“We have very immature institutions with little autonomy and universities that do not allow for freedom of speech.
“We also have a crude patriarchal and patronising society, which is amplified especially with social media.
“Elections are silly seasons, but still, we have seen statements and situations that are very disturbing.
“It’s a reflection of our society that is very immature and chauvinist.
“These are the things we need to break out of and it’s not a question of top-to-bottom or vice versa.
“I feel that to solve this, there needs to be reforms at institutional and society levels.”