Religious affairs minister pans Malaysian’s entry in Thai trans pageant

 Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan says the participation tarnishes the country's image and violates Islamic teachings.

A screenshot from a video of the contestant winning ‘Best National Costume’ at the pageant in Bangkok.

PETALING JAYA:

Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan today criticised a Malaysian for taking part in an international transgender beauty pageant in Thailand last Sunday, saying the contestant had tarnished the country’s image.

Zulkifli said the contestant also violated Islamic teachings.

“Posing as the opposite sex and promoting a transgender lifestyle is haram,” he said in a statement.

Zulkifli’s comments followed a 30-second video of the contestant winning “Best National Costume” at the pageant in Bangkok.

He said neither the religious authorities nor the Malaysian government approved, supported or recognised participation in such pageants.

He advised the public against sensationalising or glorifying actions that violate Islamic law, urging Malaysians to uphold moral and religious values.

He also said the religious authorities would work alongside the relevant enforcement agencies to examine potential legal action.

Shariah laws in all 13 Malaysian states prohibit Muslim men from dressing as women. - FMT