SEXUAL minorities are urging Putrajaya to engage them and address their plight instead of further marginalising the community.

They are keen to hold talks with the religious affairs minister, as well as the Health and Home Ministries, on healthcare and safety concerns.

This comes after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said he is ready to meet civil society groups to discuss issues relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community after issuing a directive to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) to act against transgenders.

Numan Afifi, president of LGBT rights outfit Pelangi, told The Malaysian Insight it is important that attention be given to healthcare and protection for LGBT folk.

“We are ready to meet the religious affairs minister (Zulkifli) on the issue of arresting transgenders.

“It’s also important to note that we are open to discussing with the health minister about health matters involving the LGBT community and with the home minister on safety issues.”

Zulkifli, in a social media post on July 10, said he has granted Jawi “full licence to carry out enforcement actions” against transgenders.

The order goes beyond making arrests, and includes giving them a “religious education” so that they “return to the right path”.

Numan said the minister has yet to meet LGBT groups despite promising two weeks ago to do so.

“We have not received any invitation from Zulkifli.”

Prominent transsexual activist Nisha Ayub, who co-founded LGBT advocacy organisation Seed, hopes a meeting can be arranged soon.

She said many transgenders are worried following Zulkifli’s arrest order.

“We are looking forward to the meeting, but it has yet to happen. I heard that some other groups have tried to meet the minister, too, but it has not happened.

“Since the minister’s remarks were reported in the media, many have told me that they are worried about getting arrested. What if they are detained while buying food or groceries for their families?”

The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) last year released a report on transgenders in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Many of those interviewed said they constantly face arrest and are discriminated against when it comes to securing jobs or housing, with a large majority having been subjected to violence because of their gender identity.

In its recommendations, Suhakam said Putrajaya should increase awareness and education among stakeholders, including government authorities, and called for dialogues to be held on the issue. – August 5, 2020.