KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) has strongly condemned the participation of an individual, allegedly representing Malaysia, in a transgender beauty pageant held in Bangkok last Sunday.
Minister Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said such an action not only tarnishes the country’s image in the eyes of the world, but is also clearly contrary to Islamic teachings, local cultural norms and the values of decency and morality upheld by Malaysians
“Imitating the opposite sex, or tasyabbuh, and promoting a transgender lifestyle are haram (forbidden) under Islamic law and prohibited under state Syariah laws. Neither religious authorities nor the Malaysian government had ever supported, approved or recognised the organisation of or participation in such events,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook today.
The minister urged the public not to sensationalise or glorify activities deemed contrary to Islamic teachings, but instead to uphold moral values and the faith of the Muslim community.
“Religious authorities will work with the relevant agencies to examine possible action under existing laws,” he said.
Earlier, a video showing an individual representing Malaysia at an international transgender beauty pageant went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from netizens. — Bernama
