Confiscated Swatch watches had 'LGBT' on dials - Saifuddin

 

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the letters “LGBT” were clearly found on the dials of the Swatch watches that were confiscated by his ministry earlier this month.

The minister said similar watch models were not sold in countries such as the United Arab Emirates.

“It was not sold in those countries because they (Swatch) know the religious sensitivities there.

“The watch clearly has the letters LGBT and the Home Ministry acted upon public complaints,” Saifuddin said, as reported by Berita Harian today.

Swatch had earlier said there were no references to the LGBT community on the watch dials that were confiscated by Malaysian authorities.

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was “misinformed” on the matter.

“Swatch has not included any reference to the LGBT community on the dials of this year’s Pride Collection.

“These colourful watches include the meaning of each pride colour (life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, spirit) on their minute hands and two loops that form a rainbow,” he said.

Last Thursday, Anwar said the watches were seized by authorities because “LGBT were on (the watch face)”.

The watches were seized from Swatch stores on May 13 and 14, allegedly for violating the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA). - Mkini