ADUN SPEAKS | Recently, the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) said that it will follow in the footsteps of Terengganu and discuss the possibility of imposing whipping sentence as a means of highlighting the laws that curb LGBT activities.
While I respect the principles and stance in Islam towards the LGBTs, I must also stress that introducing outdated laws to punish and humiliate LGBT minorities is not in line with the Islamic principles of fairness and justice.
Although it is stated in Islamic teachings that Muslims have to abandon homosexual relationships and sexual practices, there is no record throughout the history of Islam that Prophet Muhammad had ever punished LGBT minorities. Therefore, implementing harsh laws against them goes against the prophet’s wishes to educate the people.
The LGBT community in Malaysia is one of the most marginalised and vulnerable minority groups that is facing discrimination and unjust treatment in terms of legal system, education, workplace, family, religion, medical service, psychological health, media, social service and many other aspects.
To impose humiliating public canning on LGBT persons is, therefore, unfair.
The BN state government should rally behind the spirit of “Maju Terus Pahang” as proposed by Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
It should put vigorous efforts in developing Pahang’s economy and solving livelihood issues, rather than introducing outdated laws and punishments against LGBT and creating the impression that Pahang is losing its direction of governance.
The human society’s final missions are peaceful coexistence and common development. Unfortunately, discussing the rights and protection for the LGBT community as one of the most marginalised groups has become a politically incorrect issue in Malaysia.
Our society should focus more on and participate in eliminating gender-based violence in order to provide adequate protection and support to every marginalised and oppressed group.
CHIONG YOKE KONG is the assemblyperson for Tanah Rata and DAP Youth national political education director.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
