Malaysia refuses to recognize transgender beauty pageants

Malaysia’s religious affairs minister has condemned the participation of an individual allegedly representing the country at an international transgender beauty pageant in Bangkok, saying the event has no government recognition.

Zulkifli Hasan said neither the country’s religious authorities nor the Malaysian government had supported, authorized or recognized the organization or participation in such contests. A video circulating on social media showed an individual allegedly representing Malaysia at the pageant, prompting reactions from internet users.

Zulkifli said the participation conflicted with religious principles and created a negative image of Malaysia internationally. “Such actions not only tarnish the country’s image internationally, but are also clearly contrary to Islamic teachings, local cultural norms, and the values of propriety and decency upheld by Malaysians,” he said.

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Such actions not only tarnish the country’s image internationally, but are also clearly contrary to Islamic teachings, local cultural norms, and the values of propriety and decency upheld by Malaysians.

He also described cross-gender presentation, or tasyabbuh, and the promotion of a transgender lifestyle as forbidden under Islamic law and prohibited by state-level Shariah legislation. He urged the public not to normalize or glorify conduct that violates religious principles, and instead to defend the moral values and faith of the Muslim community.

Zulkifli said religious authorities would cooperate with relevant agencies to consider action under existing laws.

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The authorities will cooperate with relevant agencies to examine action based on the existing laws.