A pro-LGBTQ+ group slammed the authorities over a raid last night, where 201 men were rounded up over suspicion of “gay” activities.
In a statement, Justice for Sisters (JFS) said the operation involving the police, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi), and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) was discriminatory as it targeted a “health centre” due to a perception about its customers.
The group also condemned the police for saying they acted in response to public complaints.
“We strongly reject the idea that the police were compelled to act due to public complaints. It is important for the police to discern prejudicial elements in public complaints, given the alarming levels of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in Malaysia.
“When the state raids and arrests LGBTQ+ people based on prejudicial complaints, the state is further legitimising discrimination and allowing impunity as well as victimisation of LGBTQ+ people.
“The raid was inherently discriminatory as the health centre was targeted due to its clientele, who are or perceived to be gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) and other men who have sex with men (MSM),” it said.
Concerns over raid’s impact
According to news reports, authorities detained 201 men aged 19-60 at the Jalan Raja Laut premises following public tip-offs and a two-week surveillance.
Berita Harian quoted Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Azani Omar saying intelligence gathered showed there were “immoral activities” at the premises involving gay men.
Those arrested include 80 Muslim men and foreigners from South Korea, Indonesia, Germany, and China, he reportedly said.
JFS also condemned the raid for including reporters, saying it resulted in a violation of the detainees’ privacy.
“Further, the raid is completely counterproductive to the government’s efforts to end HIV by 2030 in Malaysia.
“Health centres, such as the one that was raided, are critical in providing safe spaces for people not only to exercise and socialise but also to seek health information,” the group said. - Mkini
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