JULY 10 — The resignation of the interim press secretary of the youth and sports minister following some public backlash over his sexual orientation and/or LGBT non-discrimination activism is extremely troubling and makes the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) very uncomfortable, because Malaysia is supposed to ensure equality of its citizens under Article 8 of our Federal Constitution.

Suhakam finds it unfortunate that the Ministry of Youth and Sports caved to public pressure and did not take a principled stand on this matter that concerns the human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination in employment and/or at the workplace.

Suhakam would have hoped that the Officer would have been assessed and evaluated on his skills, qualifications, and ability to contribute to the Ministry and our country instead of being deemed to be unfit for the position based solely on his sexual orientation, which is a characteristic completely irrelevant to job performance.

Suhakam is therefore concerned that this maybe a case of workplace and/or employment discrimination, which we regret seems to be continuing in the public and private sectors, which will result in job insecurity for LGBT people, making it difficult for them to provide for themselves and their dependants.

In relation to this, Suhakam wishes to highlight that it has received many complaints from the LGBT community of violations of human rights including harassment and ill-treatment, bullying, sexual assault and violence, intimidation, denial of employment and education opportunities as well as medical treatment purely because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Suhakam wonders whether the hangover of the past is still lingering among new leaders, even with the younger ones, and hopes that the new government will find a way to develop a national conscience to protect society’s most vulnerable despite the unavoidable opposition from certain quarters.

The government must stand up for everyone while firmly upholding principles of equality and non-discrimination in accordance with our Federal Constitution.

Suhakam reiterates that all human beings which includes LGBT persons shall be provided access to among others, education, employment, housing and healthcare services without discrimination.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.