There were no references to the LGBT community on the watch dials that were confiscated by the Malaysian authorities, said Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek.
He told Malay Mail that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was “misinformed” on the matter.
“The prime minister stated in a recent interview that Swatch’s latest collection of colourful watches includes the letters LGBT on their dials. Apparently, he was misinformed.
“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.
On Thursday, Anwar said the watches were seized by the Home Ministry because “LGBT were on (the watch face)”.
However, Anwar conceded that he did not have all the details and that the Home Ministry would be issuing a clarification.
The watches were seized from Swatch stores on May 13 and May 14, allegedly for violating the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).
Meanwhile, human rights group Article 19 urged Putrajaya to repeal or reform the PPPA following the seizure of the watches because the law gave the home minister sweeping powers and allowed arbitrary and discriminatory applications.
In this instance, Article 19 argued that the PPPA had allowed freedom of expression to be curtailed and that the law can be abused to regulate behaviour.
“The Swatch raids are a clear warning to intimidate LGBT persons into hiding, from a government that is threatened by the notion of pride in diverse genders, identities, and sexual orientations.
“The raids have once again contributed to the existing hostility and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, who already feel unsafe and at risk of reprisal for expressing themselves.
“Equality must be for all regardless of gender or sexual orientation as guaranteed under Article 8 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution,” said Article 19. - Mkini
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