Eleven Swatch stores nationwide were raided by the Home Ministry last week for displaying its Pride Collection that comprise watches in various shades of rainbow - adopted as a symbol of the LGBTQIA community.
Financial-daily The Edge quoted Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek Jr who confirmed the raids on May 13 and 14, as well as seizures of numerous watches.
"Swatch is proud of being the canvas on the wrist for all people worldwide and many artistes working with us.
“Creativity and colours paired with Swiss-made quality are what we are loved for.
"We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful to whomever," said Hayek.
"On the contrary, Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political.
"We wonder how the Home Ministry's Enforcement and Control Division will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that show up thousand times a year in Malaysian skies,” said Hayek, as quoted by The Edge.
According to the report, Home Ministry officers had raided Swatch stores at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Setia City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Southkey, Sunway Putra Mall, Sogo KL, Queensbay, Fahrenheit 88 and Suria Sabah.
Further, it was reported that another five stores had received warnings - KTCC (Terengganu), Aeon KB, Aman Central Kedah, City Square and Viva City Kuching.
While many global brands and retailers have an annual range of rainbow-themed items released in conjunction with Pride month every June, such products are typically not made available in stores in Malaysia or other Muslim-majority countries with a strong stand against the LGBQTIA community. - Mkini
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