International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia ( IDAHOT ) falls every year on May 17. The purpose of such a day is to raise awareness among the public to the violence and discrimination faced by every single lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) worldwide. In the past one year, what have Malaysia achieved in light of IDAHOT?

At the beginning of 2013, Deputy Education Minister Puad Zarkashi has described lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) as an illness that can be treated following by at least 21 seminars allegedly held of which the purpose is to curb LGBT “behaviour”.

Later,  the director of Jabatan Hal Ehwal Khas (Jasa), Fuad Hassan, mentioned that stage theatre is one of the approaches to “curb” LGBT. Remember the Asmara Songsang stage theatre where the actor playing gay repents at the end of the plot.

Further, Senator Rohani Abdullah suggested that strict action should be taken against those male actors who wear like a female and insensitively, using the word “pondan”. In July 2013, it was reported that a transgender Thai national was assaulted by a group of youths armed with steel rods and hockey sticks in Kuantan, Pahang for reasons unknown. Does being a transgender warrant such violence?

To add salt to the wound, Jati president Hasan Ali alleged that the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs in the UPR Process (Comango) is fighting for LGBT rights thus, “we should raise war against them (Comango)”. This is absurd. Comango stands for many other minority rights, however, LGBT rights are one of the easy targets for them.

Even when the representative of Comango, Honey Tan, invited Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) for discussion, its president, Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman, rejected it saying that “Comango is not a registered organisation... and “All they need to do is to repent”.

Not to forget the infamous Isma presumes a person’s sins and acts like God. I suggest a healthy talk and dialogue would rather preferred than laying judgments like a judge. Do think about it, Isma?

This year, Penang turned into a LGBT-unfriendly state. Penang Pink Dot 2014 which is scheduled to be held on March 29 was cancelled due to safety concerns on the organiser and the participants.

This was as a result of pressure put on the organiser by again God’s saviour and guardian, Isma and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim). It is pertinent to note that the main intention of Penang Pink Dot is to help LGBTs with abuse and discrimination.

The following month, the proposal to set up a transgender rights committee under the Penang state government by YB Teh Yee Cheu was withdrawn after being advised by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. The CM appears to be down-to-earth and understanding the daily issues of common citizens, but was not able to understand the importance of such a rights committee?

Just a rhetorical tagline?

Is the promotional line of “fighting for all Malaysians” merely a rhetorical tagline to garner support?

Next Thursday, May 22, 2014, the transgender community in Malaysia will be facing one  groundbreaking court case challenging a Sharia law of Negri Sembilan which prohibits the transgender community from expressing their gender identity. The punishment, if so convicted, is a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.

Now, think about IDAHOT. Are we transforming into a better LGBT-friendly country? Based on the above, it seems like we have a long journey.

It is also important to observe there are primarily, two (2) houses of thoughts, i.e. conservative Islamic group who urge LGBT folk to repent or “change”; and liberal LGBT allies or LGBT people who pursue recognition and acknowledgment of their fundamental rights and freedom. I suggest we should ponder upon, and reconsider our thoughts on the following:-

  • Whether there is any sin or harm or influence that LGBT people have committed to justify and warrant the violence and threats against them?
  • Whether the government, i.e. state government and federal government or any governmental department acts in accordance to the principles enshrined under the federal constitution, i.e. equality and non discrimination principles?
  • What could you do as an individual and as a corporate body?
  • What do you tell your sons and daughters regarding the question posted in Seminar Pengajian Am (Pen 2) – 2014?