KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) has slammed a call for harsher penalties against members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, describing it as a “new low” for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
In a statement, PSM said such draconian action by a government in a democratic state will only worsen the plight faced by vulnerable communities.
"Policing marginalised communities will tangibly worsen the plight of the vulnerable in Malaysia.
"Instead of showcasing exemplary behaviour, it has opted to redirect attention towards an easy target – the LGBT community," said PSM.
Yesterday, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Marzuk Shaary had urged for harsher punishment for "wrongdoings" by members of the LGBT community, as stipulated under the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965.
PSM urged the PN government to focus on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic instead of frivolous matters, such as attacking the LGBT community.
"Is this attack on the LGBT community intended to distract from the failures of this government?" the statement said.
PSM said that freedom of expression and equal rights is enshrined in the federal constitution and should be adhered to.
PSM instead urged Putrajaya to consider passing anti-discrimination legislation.
"Pemuda Sosialis and PSM urge the government to withdraw the idea of amending Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 and repeal all the repressive laws that discriminate against sexual minorities in Malaysia.
"We will stand in solidarity with the LGBT community against oppression, be it from the state or society in general. The emancipation of sexual minorities will continue to be a priority for us." – The Vibes, January 20, 2021
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