Penang’s transgender committee a good step, say NGOs

PETALING JAYA: Human rights NGOs have commended the Penang Government for forming a transgender committee.

Speaking to FMT, Amnesty International-Malaysia Executive Director Shamini Darshini said that it was a positive move as transgenders were “one of the most marginalised communities in the world”.

“The three areas (healthcare, legal representation and their right to use public toilets) that the committee will focus on are basic human rights that should be accorded to everyone, including the transgender community.

“This is a positive step in the right direction,” she said.

Suaram Executive Director Sevan Doraisamy also commended the move saying that it was a good first step.

However, he cautioned that participation of the community in the committee was important to ensure its success “not only in discussions but also in making plans as well as the implementation of those plans”.

“There are numerous examples of other committees that have been established, but are only there for its namesake and have not functioned as it should.

“This is certainly a good first step and hopefully the rest of Malaysia will follow from the example Penang has set.

“It’s also important to ensure that someone from the transgender community is made a representative in this committee so that it isn’t abandoned halfway.”

Maverick Penang DAP assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu announced the setting up of the committee to oversee transgender issues earlier today in the Penang state assembly.

He said that the initiative was supported by eight assemblymen, but refused to name them.

He also said that the committee would oversee issues related to transgender people in hospitals, those under arrest and will also champion their right to use public toilets.

However, the actual legal status of the committee and how the state government will supervise it have not been clarified yet.

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