Labelling lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan “dajal” (antichrist), Malay right-wing group Perkasa has demanded action against her for ‘promoting deviant teachings in encouraging homosexuality’.
Wira Perkasa's Irwan Fahmi Ideris said Ambiga is bringing in “a new religion” that incorporates human rights and encourages homosexuality alongside this.
He was commenting on the Seksualiti Merdeka workshop, which Ambiga
(left)
is slated to officiate on Nov 9.
“Perkasa is opposed to this because homosexuality is a deviant act, and the authorities should act against it. People have to recognise Islam as the official religion of the federation. Perkasa does not want to see such activities erode Islam and other religions.
“(Homosexuality) is also condemned by other religions. Hence, the police and the attorney-general’s chambers should act quickly (against Ambiga).
“Hundreds of police reports have been lodged against Ambiga (previously on Bersih) but no action has been taken. It seems she is immune and we want this stopped.”
Irwan was speaking to Malaysiakini after submitting a memorandum to the inspector-general of police and lodging a police report at the Dang Wangi police station against Seksualiti Merdeka.
The programme, scheduled for Nov 9, is a festival meant to support and empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Seksualiti Merdeka co-founder Pang Khee Teik has
clarified
that the event is not intended to support homosexual activity.
Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual festival celebrating the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It is organised by a loose coalition of NGOs, artists, activists and individuals since 2008.
The festival’s programme, which includes forums, talks, workshops, book launches, an art exhibition and performances, will run from Nov 9 to 13
Group of NGOs also lodges report
A group of Muslim NGOs known as Accin also lodged a police report against ‘Seksualiti Merdeka 2011: Queer without Fear’ at the Pantai police station this afternoon, claiming the organisers have been involved in the homosexual movement since 2008.
Its secretary, Dr Mohd Roslan Mohd Nor, said the programme seeks to recognise the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement in the name of human rights.
“This would affect the morality, sanctity of all religions, upset public order and security of the country and also Malaysian laws,” he states in the police report
Like Perkasa, Mohd Roslan also wants the police to investigate and act sternly against the organisation regardless of their religion and race based on existing Syariah and civil laws.
He also wants the state Islamic Departments, the muftis and the National Fatwa council to also state their stands.
Mohd Roslan, who is also the secretary-general of Malaysia Ulama Association, claimed Seksualiti Merdeka's actions “to challenge the constitution” which says Islam as the religion of the federation.
“When Islam is the religion of the federation, it also involves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Hence, this is a challenge his Highness’ leadership,” he exclaimed, adding their strong protest is based on Article 25 of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam.
In the declaration, all Islamic countries take the position that policies should not violate Syariah principles.
“Hence, LGBT is against Syariah and this declaration,” he said, adding that Accin represented 17 NGOs.
Another PUM leader, Mohd Khairul Anwar Ismail, said human rights must be within the religious framework, and if we were to adopt western values that allows same sex it is certainly outside the religious norms.
Ambiga, when contacted refused to comment on the police report by Perkasa or its recommendation that action be taken against her.
Additional reporting by Abdul Rahim Sabri.
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