“It can tarnish M’sia’s reputation” – Religious Affairs Minister Responds After Trans M’sian Participates in Bangkok Pageant

A video has gone viral after an individual allegedly represented Malaysia at an international transgender beauty pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

The video has since sparked plenty of reactions online, including from the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

Transgender pageants receive no government support

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has issued a statement on the incident, urging the public not to sensationalise or glorify matters that go against Shariah principles. Instead, he called on everyone to work together to uphold the moral values and faith of the Muslim community.

He also stressed that organising or participating in transgender beauty pageants has never received any support, approval or recognition from Malaysian religious authorities or the Malaysian Government.

“The stance follows the participation of an individual in a transgender beauty pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, last Sunday (30 August). Imitating the opposite gender, and promoting a transgender lifestyle are prohibited under Shariah law and banned under state Syariah laws,” the statement read.

“Such actions could tarnish Malaysia’s reputation”

Meanwhile, Zulkifli said the department strongly condemned the individual’s actions, which he said went against Islamic teachings. He added that such actions could also tarnish Malaysia’s reputation.

“The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) strongly condemns the individual’s actions. Such actions go against Islamic teachings, local cultural norms, as well as the values of decency and propriety upheld by Malaysians, and tarnish the country’s reputation.

“Religious authorities will work with the relevant agencies to look into possible action under existing laws,” he said.

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Also read: M’sian Transgender Competing at Int’l Beauty Pageant Says Life is Tough for LGBTQ Community in M’sia