MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
​

Where is the compassion for mak nyah?

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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 April 2016 – We wish to express our grave concern over the growing unjust treatment of transgender people by religious authorities, the most recent of which involved the raid by the Federal Territories Islamic Department (JAWI) on a private dinner event for the mak nyah (transgender women) community last Sunday night.

Transgender women continue to be the target of discrimination, harassments, arrests and abuse by authorities for expressing their gender identity.

While we intensify our efforts to deliver lifesaving HIV prevention, treatment, care and support to the transgender community, we find it increasingly difficult to reach out to them as they continue to be pushed further underground by the unjust treatment that they suffer at the hands of the authorities.

Attitudes and practices that discriminate against transgender people for no other reason than expression of gender identity are unacceptable. In fact, there is mounting evidence to show that they pose a barrier to access to health and contribute to increased HIV vulnerability and negative social outcomes.

The lives of transgender people are of equal value and protected by the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the country, that makes no distinction as to gender identity. They share the same rights to life, safety, protection, health, education and employment, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as any other Malaysian.

We call for an end to unjust treatment of transgender people, urge the authorities to exercise compassion in approaching the community, and encourage efforts to promote understanding of transgender issues as well as to create safe spaces for the community to thrive.

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Malaysian AIDS Council 

The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) was established in 1992 to serve as an umbrella organisation to support and coordinate the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on HIV & AIDS issues in Malaysia. MAC works in close partnership with government agencies, the private sector and international organisations, to ensure a committed and effective NGO-led response to the HIV epidemic.  In addition to providing nationwide coverage of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services, MAC and its Partner Organisations serve as the common voice for communities most affected by HIV & AIDS in the country. Learn more atwww.mac.org.my

Contact

Media & Communications Department, Malaysian AIDS Council

Zaki Arzmi │ +6016 292 2948 │ [email protected]

Meera Abi │ +6016 414 6400 │ [email protected]