KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari today said that Malaysia’s status as the second worst country in the world when it comes to transgender rights is worthwhile.
The PAS leader said while keeping to the values set in the Federal Constitution, sometimes the country will have to face such reports.
According to a Global Trans Rights Index released recently, Malaysia was given a score of -105 and the highest danger rating of F with the comment that trans persons face obstacles in the country and are targeted by the police.
“Today I read that Malaysia has been placed as the second worst country in the world after it rejected and expressed its non-support of transgender sights.
“In the Global Trans Rights Index report that was released recently, Malaysia is in the second worst position.
“Maybe from some certain point of view we are not happy with this report, but when faced with the values set in the Federal Constitution, even if we have to face a bad index like this, I think it’s worth it,” Fadhil told the Parliament in his speech when debating the annual report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
He added that the Malaysian government should not feel intimidated by international pressure, and at the same time congratulated the Home Ministry for confiscating Swatch watches last month, which was linked to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
“I hope that our friends in the Home Ministry will continue to carry out their responsibility in accordance with the laws.
“Don’t be intimidated by international pressure,” he added.
