Religious Affairs Ministry disassociates itself from interfaith conference

The Religious Affairs Ministry in Malaysia has expressed disapproval over an individual representing the country at a transgender beauty pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand, last week. Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Department, stated that the government neither endorsed nor approved the person's participation. The individual's appearance on a video from the pageant, which surfaced on social media on August 30, has drawn attention within Malaysia.

Zulkifli emphasized that the act could tarnish the nation's image and contradicts Islamic teachings, as well as local cultural norms. Under Islamic law and Syariah laws in Malaysian states, engaging in tasyabbuh (imitating the opposite sex) and endorsing transgender lifestyles are prohibited. The minister affirmed that such events have never been supported, approved, or recognized by religious authorities or the Malaysian government, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

Dr Zulkifli noted that religious authorities would collaborate with relevant agencies to ascertain any potential actions, should they deem it necessary, under existing laws. The minister did not disclose the individual's identity or specify which legal provisions might be applicable. Furthermore, Zulkifli urged the public to refrain from sensationalizing or glorifying matters at odds with Islamic principles, urging Malaysians to uphold the values and religious beliefs of the Muslim community.