KUALA LUMPUR: The numbers of those who oppose programs organised to educate gender-confused individuals are far lesser than those who participate in them, said the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jakim).
Jakim director Datuk Othman Mustapha said those who rejected the programs were usually members of groups or associations established with the aim of fostering and promote issues related to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
"The department, in collaboration with the state departments of religious affairs had approached more than 1,000 individuals through several programmes such as "Mukhayam" (camping) which aims to strengthen themselves spiritually and to rehabilitate them.
"There were only 15 to 20 people who rejected programs organised by agencies like us."
Othman said Jakim welcomed those with gender-confusion issues to participate in their programs.
"We have never forced anyone to participate in the program. In fact, most of the participants are volunteers who came forward when we carried out promotions on the ground or through Facebook."
"We were actually touched by the overwhelming response and highly appreciate the good relationship with the numerous participants over the years," he said.
Othman said the programs had positively benefited the target group as many participants became more aware of the dangers of HIV, reduced the mutual stigma between both parties and strengthened their careers and self.
"Even after the program, some of them continued to pursue religious knowledge on their own and with the assistance of the respective state Islamic Religious Departments, even went for umrah and hajj."
"What is more important is that they have left their old lifestyle and helped Jakim continue to reach out and rehabilitate their friends who are also gender-confused," he said.
Othman also hoped to see bridal assistants Muhamad Juzaili Mohd Khamis, 26, Shukor Jani, 28, and Wan Fairol Wan Ismail, 30, voluntarily participate in their Mukhayam program.
The trio recently appealed against a Seremban High Court dismissal of their judicial review application against Section 66 of the Syariah Criminal (Negri Sembilan) Enactment 1992.
The Court of Appeal on Nov 7 struck down a Negri Sembilan state law forbidding Muslim men from dressing up as women, as being unconstitutional.
The unanimous decision was delivered by a three-man Court of Appeal bench chaired by judge Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus.