In a significant move, Malaysia has taken steps to prohibit the sale of watches and accessories by Swatch Group (UHR.S), citing their celebration of LGBTQ rights as potentially harmful to public morals and interests.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a Prohibition Order that extends to any Swatch products bearing LGBTQ references, including watches, packaging, accessories, and other related items.
The ministry expressed its rationale, stating that Swatch’s offerings fall under the Prohibition Order due to their potential to undermine morality, public interest, and the values of the state. This stems from their perceived promotion, support, and normalization of the LGBTQ+ movement, a stance that is not widely accepted by the general public within Malaysia.
It is important to note that homosexuality is considered a criminal offense in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim nation. Rights advocates have raised concerns about increasing intolerance toward the LGBTQ community in the country, with instances of imprisonment and caning reported.
In recent months, Malaysia seized watches from Swatch’s ‘Pride collection,’ objecting to the presence of the acronym ‘LGBTQ’ on the timepieces.
Violating the ban by selling or owning the prohibited material could lead to serious consequences, including a prison term of up to three years and a hefty fine of up to 20,000 ringgit ($4,376).
Swatch Group has yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter.
The company has taken legal action against the Malaysian government regarding the earlier confiscation, asserting that the seizure was unlawful and detrimental to its reputation.
The issue of LGBTQ rights has attracted heightened attention in Malaysia, particularly after the government’s decision to halt a music festival in Kuala Lumpur. This move followed an incident where the lead singer of the British pop rock band The 1975 shared a kiss with a male bandmate during a performance, accompanied by criticism of Malaysia’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
These discussions unfold at a sensitive juncture in Malaysia’s political landscape, characterized by its diverse ethnic and religious makeup. The upcoming elections in six states will serve as a significant test of public support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s progressive coalition government. The opposition, which leans more conservatively and is predominantly composed of ethnic Malays and Muslims, is gaining traction. Critics of the current administration accuse it of inadequately upholding Islamic principles.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unequivocally stated that his administration will not recognize LGBTQ rights, underscoring the contentious nature of this topic in Malaysia’s socio-political discourse.
