KUALA LUMPUR: Everyone is protected by the law and there is no room for harassment and threats against anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or nationality.
In upholding such principles, Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir said it welcomed the call by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for tougher laws in Asean countries to act against hate speech in his address at the first Asean Digital Ministers' Meeting.
He said the Malaysian Bar welcomed the statement, which came shortly after the recent controversial remarks by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.
"He had indicated that the government does not rule out the possibility of amending the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (Act 355) to mete out harsher punishments on lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT).
"He had also urged the public to come forward with information pertaining to LGBT individuals so that authorities can enforce action against them," he said in a statement today.
Salim said the stance taken by Ahmad Marzuk could create adverse ramifications for the LGBT community, that was equally entitled to protection under Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution and their rights were enshrined under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments.
One should not be subject to inequality by virtue of their sexual orientation, as the prime minister had aptly said in his speech, he said.
He said the LGBT community deserved to be treated equally and with respect, without the fear of being harassed or threatened.
"Meting out harsher punishments through legislative amendments is not a solution and this may result in heightened discrimination towards the LGBT community."
He said the Malaysian Bar was of the view that all individuals, regardless of their sexual or gender orientation, should enjoy fundamental human rights accorded to every citizen of this country and be protected from all forms of harassment so long as the laws of this country were observed.
"The Malaysian Bar urges the deputy minister to get his priorities in order, especially during these difficult times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"He ought to be devising plans and strategies on how to improve the lives of the public through his Ministry, and to alleviate the burden of the rakyat," he said, adding that Ahmad Marzuk should refrain from making remarks that were reckless and non-conducive to the well-being of the nation during the pandemic.