Syerleena regrets bigotry, discrimination still exists in Malaysia Baru

DAP Seri Delima assemblyperson Syerleena Abdul Rashid is not blaming the George Town Festival organiser or the minister who ordered the removal of the portraits of two LGBT activists from a photography exhibition.

This is because there is a lot more work that needs to be done, she said, to create awareness of the issue.

"I cannot blame the organiser’s move to remove the portraits and neither can I solely put the blame on the minister who decided to remove what is deemed “sensitive” material that could potentially create civil unrest.

"But one thing is sure – there still is a lot of work that needs to be done to create awareness, and especially, foster healthier relationships and views of the LGBTQI community," Syerleena told Malaysiakini.

She was referring to the portraits of Nisha Ayub and Pang Khee Teik, which were removed by festival director Joe Sidek at the behest of state secretary Farizan Darus.

Farizan was moved to do so after receiving complaints from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who oversees the Islamic Affairs portfolio.

Mujahid said removing the portraits by photographer Mooreyameen Mohamad (photo) – which were to commemorate Merdeka – was in line with the government's stand on the issue.

Syerleena expressed regret that even in this era of Malaysia Baru, reports of bigotry and discrimination still persist.



However, the fact still remains, she said, that while the change of government has brought optimism, restructuring the system and reforming the cultural norms that exist will require time, great effort and patience.

"Every individual deserves to live out his or her life in reasonable comfort, without being persecuted or terrorised. Therefore the onus is on other caring Malaysians to promote positive values, respect and support for our fellow brothers and sisters," she said.

LGBT people 'are human beings like everybody else'

"Social intolerance exists in many places and especially when it involves religious beliefs and issues pertaining to the LBGTQI community.

"Being intolerant of race and gender, or in this case, sexual orientation, is unpleasant and unnecessary. They are human beings like everybody else and should not be subjected to discrimination," she added.

Citing the philosopher Cicero, Syerleena said: "‘Justice consists in doing no injury to men; decency in giving them no offence.’ And this is what we, as Malaysians of Malaysia Baru, ought to accentuate – we are not alone bu --t all part of the same human race."

The exhibition, which runs from Aug 4 to Sept 2 at the Dewan Sri Pinang, also features pictures of prominent politicians like DAP senior leader Lim Kit Siang and PKR Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Several individuals, such as social activist Marina Mahathir and human rights lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan, have asked that their photographs be removed in protest of the discrimination against Nisha and Pang. --Mkini