Take threats against Nur Sajat, transgender community seriously, say activists

 

Nur Sajat’s religious intention has prompted a backlash from netizens, with some threatening to kill her.

PETALING JAYA: Former minister for Islamic affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa has cautioned members of the public not to overreact over the announcement by cosmetics entrepreneur Nur Sajat that she intended to renounce Islam.

Recently, Nur Sajat hinted during a live broadcast on her now-deactivated Instagram account at converting to another religion.

Her announcement prompted a backlash from netizens, with some threatening to kill her.

“Do not overreact, who are we to judge her? Instead of punishing her, we should continue to persuade her nicely not to convert to another religion. That is the proper reaction,” Mujahid told FMT.

However, he said, Nur Sajat should not have used the weaknesses of religious institutions in handling her case as an excuse to convert.

“The weaknesses and imperfections are coming from the institutions, not from Islam. So, Nur Sajat should not have used them as an excuse to convert. That is not fair,” he said.

Some of the angry comments on social media.

Justice for Sisters (JFS), an NGO that advocates the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBT), said there were legitimate fears that those from the transgender community could fall victim to violence and hate crimes.

Describing the public reaction as extreme, FS founder Thilaga Sulathireh told FMT: “Their extreme actions are legitimised by patriarchal interpretations of religion and laws that criminalise persons based on their gender identity, religious beliefs or lack thereof, freedom of expression and such.

“The fact that people can call for violence and issue death threats openly demonstrates a high level of impunity in this country, especially against trans and gender diverse women. These forms of extremism based on religion and patriarchal ideas are worrying.”

Thilaga said the current situation in relation to Nur Sajat must not be taken lightly. She said the authorities must “step back and ensure safety for Nur Sajat and the transgender persons and LGBTIQ persons in general”.

Meanwhile, Sisters In Islam (SIS) said hate crimes and death threats against the marginalised community should be taken seriously by the authorities, community and religious leaders.

Death threats are a crime under Section 506 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine or both, the women’s group said, while threats on social media are a crime under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which provides for a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

“It is heartbreaking when religious leaders and authorities choose to remain silent on the issue involving death threats.

“SIS urges the public to be calm, not to spread hatred, threaten and encourage violent acts against Nur Sajat or the transgender community in general.” - FMT