Politicians on mute fearing religious backlash, rues Ambiga

Politicians on mute fearing religious backlash, rues Ambiga


With race and religion dominating the narrative, former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan noted that politicians have lost their voices.

She cited the recent raid on transwomen dubbed “Ops Cegah Pondan” in Perak as an example.

“Unfortunately, there is little leadership shown on this issue by our politicians due to the possible religious backlash on them.

“Thus the cowardice on this issue and lack of knowledge carries on, resulting in this one community being hounded with rights-abusing actions by enforcement officials.

“Why then is Malaysia on the (United Nations) Human Rights Council?” she told Malaysiakini.

Ambiga also censured the “appalling language and labels” used with regard to “Op Cegah Pondan” which literally means an “operation to curb transgenders”.

She said this demonstrated a lack of understanding or scientific knowledge about the issue.

“The bully mentality of oppressing a community that is already so marginalised seems to be the favourite pastime of all those seeking to burnish their religious credentials.

“Enough of this preying on the weak by those in power,” she added.

Previously, Malaysiakini quoted LGBTQ+ rights group Justice for Sisters (JSF) condemning the raid in Ipoh, Perak carried out by the state Islamic department (JAIPk). Among others, enforcement officers had targeted massage parlours.

“The name of the operation is extremely disrespectful, dehumanising, and reflects the state’s profound prejudice and misunderstanding of gender identity,” said JSF co-founder Thilaga Sulathireh.

Following this, JAIPk defended the raid, stressing the department is determined to prevent the LGBTQ+ community from engaging in immoral activities that are against the religion.

JAIPk director Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim said action must be taken if LGBTQ+ individuals choose to “parade” themselves.