DAP reps visit transperson at hospital, horrified at assault by 8 men

DAP representatives said they were horrified after visiting a transperson who was attacked by eight men.

DAP's Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh and Syahredzan Johan, who is political secretary to party supremo Lim Kit Siang, visited the transperson at Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban today.

"We were horrified to discover that the victim was physically assaulted by a group of eight men at around 11pm in Sungai Ujong, Seremban.

"The men surrounded her, and it is believed that she was attacked because of the prejudice against her gender identity, ie, the fact that she is a transgender woman.

"The victim had suffered internal injuries, several broken ribs as well as injuries to her back and head, which required 12 stitches. The victim was hospitalised for several days after the assault," they said in a joint statement after the visit.

The duo noted that the attack was not an isolated incident.

"The transgender community has long been the target of assault and harassment throughout the country. In some cases, the attacks have resulted in serious injuries and tragically, even death.

"Most of the time, the perpetrators of the crimes were not brought to justice, either because of fear of repercussions on the part of the victims or because the authorities were reluctant to take further action," they said.

Yeoh and Syahredzan said constant demonisation of the transgender community had led to a wanton disregard of their life.

"The hate speeches directed at the transgender community reduced their humanity in the eyes of society and has made it easier for them to be targeted.

"We condemn in the strongest terms any hate speech directed at the community. The physical and verbal assaults suffered by the transgender community must be stopped.

"They are gross violations of the human rights of members of the transgender community, who should also enjoy the same fundamental liberties as any other citizen of this country," they said.

Yeoh and Syahredzan called on all quarters to work in halting attacks on one of the country's most marginalised community. - Mkini