Malaysia has always had a hard stance on the LGBTQ+ community by ensuring to find ways to crackdown against the spreading of the lifestyle.
This was exemplified last night (October 29) when the PDRM and JAWI went on to raid a Halloween event at REXKL.
It was reported that several drag queens and transgender people were detained by JAWI for investigations.
In various videos which had been circulating on social media, many of the attendees who were dressed in costumes for the Halloween-themed evening were seen standing helplessly as police officers shouted instructions in the huge hall.
The police had reportedly closed off all of the exits and made attendees wait for more than an hour. They were reported to be checking the ICs of the attendees.
Meanwhile, he also wrote that the charges being investigated by JAWI officers for the event last night are crossdressing ‘for immoral purposes’ and ‘encouraging sinful acts’, respectively under section 28 and 35 of Wilayah Persekutuan shariah offenses act.
In an update posted at 1.16am, Numan added that he and some others had managed to get 20 volunteers to bail out those taken in.
“Looks like all might be released tonight and not remanded until tomorrow. Thank you for your support and solidarity,” he said.
Attack on the LGBTQ+ community
The actions of JAWI and the PDRM have seen enormous backlash on social media as numerous groups, organisations and politicians have condemned last night’s incident.
One of the most vocal has been Klang MP Charles Santiago who said that last night’s raid shows that the LGBTQ+ community is still being targeted by the authorities.
The REXKL raid clearly shows that the LGBTQ+ community continues to be targeted by authorities. This is harassment against a marginalised community. When will we learn to respect and accept people for who they are? (1/4) https://t.co/Czg0dMX2ZR
— Charles Santiago (@mpklang) October 30, 2022
“This is harassment against a marginalised community. When will we learn to respect and accept people for who they are,” wrote Santiago.
Meanwhile, on social media, sentiments were divided. Some congratulated the PDRM and JAWI for “stopping immorality from happening” whilst others said that they have their priorities all wrong.
“Well done PDRM and JAWI! We need more like this!”
“I’m happy that there are so many comments against the alphabet community (referring to the LGBTQ+). Embarrassing if you have Islam in your name but you’re part of this immoral group. Congrats to the PDRM, JAWI and Twitter users,” said another user.
On the other hand, others condemned the acts of the PDRM and JAWI as well as the comments who congratulated the acts of discrimination.
“Whoever supports this kind of discrimination should be ashamed.”
A user stated, “These comments are disgraceful. These are our Malaysian sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. They do not need to be humiliated and dragged by the cops into a lock up.”
We hope that all of those who were detained were unharmed and since have been released from investigations.
Also read: “Neglectful men are worse than being a p*ndan” – Sajat Slams Men Who Don’t Take Care of Their Kids
