Kuala Lumpur: An Opposition MP is unperturbed by an index ranking Malaysia as the second worst country in the world when it comes to protecting transgender rights.
"When we consider the values enshrined in the Federal Constitution – even if we have to face such a poor index, I believe it is worthwhile," said Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) while debating the Suhakam Annual Report 2020 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (June 13).
The methodology used by the Global Trans Rights Index awards or deducts points based on protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) workers, legal protections against discrimination, criminalisation of hate-based violence, transgender legal identity laws and transgender murder rates.
Based on an index put together by researchers Asher and Lyric Fergusson, only Guyana fares worse than Malaysia, while Saudi Arabia, Malawi and the United Arab Emirates were ranked in the bottom five.
Using this point system, Malaysia scored -105 and the highest “F” danger rating.
Ahmad Fadhli also praised the Home Ministry for being tough on efforts to normalise LGBT culture.
"I hope that my friends in the Home Ministry will continue to carry out this responsibility as stated in the regulations. Let us not succumb to international pressure," he said.
