KUALA LUMPUR – Models from Swatch’s Pride-themed watch collection, which were recently the target of raids and seizures by the Home Ministry, remain available for sale on the brand’s online store.
Checks by The Vibes on the Swiss watchmaker’s website revealed that the Stripe Fierce model, which features the word “LGBTQIA2S” on its face dial, is still up for grabs to interested customers at the price of RM390.
“LGBTQIA2S” refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit movement.
According to the product description, the watch is a “rainbow-coloured flag watch (which) features a semi-transparent dial with multicoloured print and bio-sourced glass.”
“A calendar wheel turns every 24 hours so a different icon from ‘LGBTQIA2S’ appears each day. A transparent matte clear bio-sourced case on a semi-transparent strap completes this Pride watch,” it adds.
Other models from the brand’s Pride release are also still being sold on the online platform, with six of the collection’s main designs, each in the individual colours of the six-striped Pride flag, priced at RM365 per item.
It is unclear whether the stock for orders made in Malaysia will be shipped from the nation or from overseas suppliers.
Previously, The Vibes reported that lawyers have questioned the validity of the ministry’s decision to seize the watches, which was reportedly done under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
This came after the May 13 and 14 raids at various Swatch outlets nationwide were first reported last week, with Swatch Group chief Nick Hayek Jr saying in a statement that there is “nothing political” behind the brand’s collection of watches “having a message of peace and love”.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had later said that the ministry’s actions were due to how the products displayed elements related to the LGBT movement.
Stressing that he had not been given specific details on the raids, Anwar, who also chairs Pakatan Harapan, said that he was leaving it to the ministry to explain the raids in question.
However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has declined to comment on the matter, having told the Associated Press that he is waiting for a full report on the operations before weighing in.
Netizens have since taken to social media to voice their thoughts on the issue, with many bemused over how the government appears to have taken offence at the rainbow symbol, while pointing out that the ministry’s resources could have been better used.
Others, however, said that companies operating in Malaysia should adhere to local norms by respecting the country’s cultural sensitivities. – The Vibes, May 29, 2023
