LETTER | We simply cannot afford to keep discriminating and bullying the LGBT community anymore. At least, not in our ‘new Malaysia’.

I do not know Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s press officer personally. But after a few phone calls, I found out he is incredibly smart and talented: two of his aspects that got him hired at the Youth and Sports Ministry.

It is disappointing, however, to note the backlash suffered by the new minister Syed Saddiq for the appointment.

This is ridiculous and only goes to show we are still regressive as a society. It encourages bigotry and hatred against the LGBT people.

The culture of hatred and intolerance in our society today against those who are different, be it on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation is worrying.

The new Pakatan Harapan government was elected on its promises of reforms and inclusivity.

We, as such, need to learn to embrace diversity and celebrate differences. And most importantly, allow people opportunities based on merit.

The LGBT community is already persecuted. They are forced to endure bullying, violence and sometimes even death.

According to organisations working on the rights of the LGBT in the country, three transgender people were murdered last year.

The brutal killing of a 27-year-old transgender woman, Sameera Krishnan, shook the nation.

Crimes against the LGBT people were on the rise during former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration.

Najib has, in his speeches, observed the LGBT community as a threatening “deviant culture.”

Under his administration, the then-Information, Communications and Culture Ministry put up a play titled Asmara Songsang (Deviant Love). The play characterised LGBT individuals as predatory thugs and ended with lightning striking all individuals.

In March 2017, the Film Censorship Board demanded that Disney edit out four minutes of the children’s film Beauty and the Beast because of a “gay moment.”

Such systemic discrimination must stop under the new government or Malaysia will continue to be a hostile place for the LGBT community.

I pledge solidarity with Syed Saddiq’s press officer and request the government to repeal all laws and regulations that discriminate against the community.

CHARLES SANTIAGO is the MP for Klang.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.