Just last week, a statement was released that the rainbow collection of Swatch watches (and similarly designed packaging) was banned in Malaysia. Being caught wearing the rainbow-themed product can lead to a fine of RM20,000 or even a jail term, as it indicates support and practice of LGBTQ+ activities, which is generally prohibited in Malaysia. This news came as no surprise to citizens, as an illegal raid last year led to the confiscation of the Swatch rainbow-themed watches in stores. While we aren't surprised, I'm sure that many of us are asking the exact same question: Is the rainbow Swatch truly seriously the most important issue right now?
While understanding that respect towards the Muslim religion and practices is due, Swatch has never indicated that the rainbow theme represented the LGBTQ+ community. It is simply another collection of watches with delightful colours, which many children and adults would enjoy wearing. The funky colours add a nice splash of colour to any outfit, and each watch represents a different area of positive vibes; life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony and spirit - nothing related at all to any sexual orientation.
Not only that, are we so idle that we focus on banning colourful watches in Malaysia? There are a million other causes that are calling for attention right now, that could be helped if given the same urgency as the banning of these watches. There are still many B40 communities that are in need of basic necessities, many areas around Malaysia (especially rural areas) that do not have internet coverage needed for education and daily business), many single Malaysian mothers fighting for their children's citizenship, many citizens that will be displaced once again if floods were to hit the city. Should these issues be met with the same effort and efficiency as the Swatch-watch-ban, they could truly provide value to citizens and make their lives easier.
Come on, Malaysia, we can do better. Let's use our time and resources to truly make life better for our fellow Malaysians.
Crystal Chai is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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