LESBIAN, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights have been increasingly threatened over the past five years, and continue to deteriorate under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, said Justice for Sisters.

Thilaga Sulathireh, founder of the civil society group, said there was no positive development or efforts made by the unity government on fundamental LGBT issues.

Thilaga said the community faces more threats and discrimination under Anwar’s administration, who was viewed as a progressive leader.

Thilaga said this view came about because Pakatan Harapan (PH) was often labelled pro-LGBT, causing the prime minister to refuse to be associated with the group.

“Because PH has always been labelled as pro-LGBT, that’s probably why we are seeing Anwar being more careful.

“Instead of trying to get closer to this group, Anwar is distancing himself, not wanting to be associated with the LGBT group.

“This is clear from his stance and actions towards the group,” Thilaga told The Malaysian Insight.

Thilaga was referring to the PH chairman’s statement at the beginning of the year where he said LGBT people would not be recognised under the unity government.

In the “Naratif Khas” broadcast by RTM, Anwar said the government would not recognise the concept of a secular state and communist ideology.

Recently, authorities raided Swatch outlets nationwide to seize watches from its Pride collection, which purportedly promote LGBT rights.

The raid was done under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 for publishing material deemed to disturb public order, morals, security and public or national interests.

Several programmes aimed at improving the understanding of LGBT rights have been cancelled over the past few years, in addition to censoring music and films featuring LGBT themes.

The Global Trans Rights Report three months ago ranked Malaysia as the second-worst country for rejecting and not openly supporting transgender rights.

The report, issued by researchers Asher and Lyric Fergusson, gave Malaysia a score of “-105” with an “F” rating.

The rating reflected the country’s existing rights for LGBT people, including ones addressing obstacles faced by transgender people, who were often targeted by police.

Those barriers include the right to work, legal protection, violence, discrimination and transgender mortality rates.

Thilaga voiced concerns LGBT rights were increasingly threatened due to the enactment of eight shariah laws.

“In the last five years, we have seen many laws criminalising the LGBT group.

“Eight laws at the state level are either new laws or amendments to existing laws.”

The penal code that applies nationwide punishes oral sex and same-sex fornication, with up to 20 years in prison and mandatory whipping.

Every state, including the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya also enforce shariah laws that criminalise same-sex fornication.

The laws also prohibit “men acting like women” and “women acting like men”.

A 2021 Justice for Sisters study found 38.6% of 220 respondents had plans or were thinking of migrating or seeking asylum because they did not see opportunities or space for a better life in Malaysia.

“They feel they can’t be themselves. When they are themselves, people think they are trying to promote LGBT,” said Thilaga.

Thilaga said this group felt the hatred against them was getting stronger in Malaysia.

In the study, 55.9% of respondents said their mental health was affected due to continuous discrimination.

The poll showed 12.7% of respondents faced discrimination and acts of violence due to anti-LGBT statements from political leaders.

“If they feel insecure and very depressed, they will be more inclined to change their gender expression or change their appearance so as not to be threatened,” said Thilaga.

Thilaga said conversion therapy posed long-lasting negative effects not only on members of the community but on their families as well.

“There are no facts that prove the programme is effective. On the contrary, for us, it has a negative and lasting effect.

“It gives a message to the public that LGBT people can and should change their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.”

Thilaga was referring to the government’s mukhayyam programme that aims to “restore” or change the sexual and gender orientation of LGBT people.

As of June 2021, the government reported 1,733 LGBT people were involved in the programme.

“The LGBT group is the most marginalised. Many sit in poverty, face discrimination at work and have health issues. It is an important issue that we should improve.

“But so far, there has been no effort in that direction,” said Thilaga. – September 8, 2023.