Fadhli retracts praise for govt after PM says Swatch raids 'overreaction'

In a sarcastic response, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari “apologised” to the home minister and government for congratulating the administration for its action in seizing Swatch watches celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) rights last year.

He said this after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told in an interview with British-American broadcast journalist Mehdi Hasan last week that he disagreed with the action taken.

“I apologise for congratulating them in the Dewan Rakyat on June 13, 2023, following the Home Ministry’s action in seizing the watches which promoted LGBTQ+ elements.

“Back then, the minister (Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) said the action was taken as the watches were promoting a wayward culture that is against our religion and laws.

“But now, I have to apologise for making the mistake of congratulating the government following the prime minister’s latest statement, where he disagreed with the action taken,” Fadhli (above) said on Facebook today.

In the interview with Mehdi, Anwar also said: “We have told them. It was a decision taken by a particular department. They are overreacting.”

In May last year, the Home Ministry raided Swatch stores nationwide for displaying its Pride Collection which comprises watches in the colours of the rainbow - adopted as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Swatch is proud of being the canvas on the wrist for all people worldwide and many artistes working with us.

“Creativity and colours paired with Swiss-made quality are what we are loved for.

“We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful to whomever,’ Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek Jr was reported as saying after the raid.

On Aug 22 last year, Saifuddin defended his ministry’s action, citing public complaints and provisions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984.

Respecting public consensus

A month later, Anwar said the government must respect the consensus of the people, whom he mentioned were not open to public displays of LGBTQ+ content - when questioned by CNN reporter, Christiane Amanpour.

“But do we then go and harass them? That’s a different subject. I don’t approve of any attempt to harass,” Anwar was reported as saying.

On that note, Fadhli said if the prime minister disagreed with an action taken by a government agency, then the action no longer holds any merit.

“Again, I must apologise. If needed, I’m ready to withdraw my remark in the Dewan Rakyat later,” the Pasir MAS MP added.

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