PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the Malaysian government will not tolerate excessive action or harassment against individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). However, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia will not recognize LGBT rights. He made these comments during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in New York on Saturday (Sept 23).
Anwar stated, “Both Muslims and non-Muslims agree that they do not accept open public displays of LGBT, but should we go as far as to harass them? That is a different matter. I do not approve of any attempts to harass.” When asked about the recent ban on Swatch’s Pride watches and the potential three-year prison sentence for those found violating the ban, Anwar expressed his inability to defend all enforcement actions and expressed his desire for a change.
In early August, the Home Ministry announced a ban on Swatch products that feature LGBT elements, and possession of such products may result in a maximum punishment of three years in jail, a fine of up to RM20,000, or both. The ban covers Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, and all related materials. The ban was enforced on August 10, in accordance with Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
The Home Ministry stated that the ban is aimed at preventing the proliferation of elements that could be detrimental to morality, as well as the interests of the public and the nation. Anwar agreed with the ban, stating that he respects the consensus of Malaysians. However, he emphasized that the ban should not be viewed as harassment.
During the interview, Amanpour brought up Anwar’s personal experience with sodomy laws and urged him to be more sensitive to them. Anwar responded by affirming that the law should be reviewed to prevent abuses and political persecution. He stated, “I have made it quite clear that we have to review, look at the law; it should not be abused. In the case that I went through, it was used for political persecution. But we have to ultimately respect the general sentiments of Malaysians.” He also called for tolerance and stressed that the issue regarding the LGBT community should not lead to harassment.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
