Swiss timepiece manufacturer Swatch has reported that Malaysian law enforcement confiscated 164 rainbow-themed watches from their Pride collection, amounting to a value of US$14,000. Swatch outlets in eleven shopping centers across the country, including the capital, Kuala Lumpur, were raided on May 13-14. The Associated Press confirms that this development underscores the ongoing discrimination against the LGBT community in Malaysia, where homosexuality is legally forbidden.
Official Response to the Seizures
Swatch Group CEO, Nick Hayek, spoke against the seizure, expressing his disbelief that their collection of rainbow-colored watches, symbolizing peace and love, could be considered harmful. Hayek questioned how the Malaysian home ministry’s enforcement unit would react to the natural rainbows that appear in the sky.
Sarah Kok, marketing manager for Swatch Malaysia, stated, in compliance with orders from the Swiss headquarters, the seized stock would be replaced and displayed again.
The Basis for the Seizure
The seizure of “22 Swatch watches with LGBT elements” was reported by the AFP news agency, citing the enforcement unit of Malaysia’s home affairs ministry. The action was justified based on the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1984, a law often utilized to prevent content that may disrupt racial harmony, although critics regard this act as oppressive.
An unnamed ministry official defended the operation, indicating the confiscated watches carried the acronym “LGBT” and displayed six colors, one less than a natural rainbow. The six-color pride flag is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the LGBT community.
The LGBT Scenario in Malaysia
The open advocacy and celebration of LGBT rights have increased in Malaysia in recent years, but same-sex activities are still prohibited under Section 377 of the country’s colonial-era Penal Code. The law criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” and “gross indecency,” with maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and corporal punishment.
The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), now the single largest party in the Malaysian parliament, has consistently instigated an anti-LGBTQ backlash. The party utilizes social media platforms, such as TikTok and Facebook, to ridicule supporters of the current government with offensive memes and jokes.
The Future of LGBT Rights in Malaysia
Despite the selection of relatively progressive Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister in November, the rising influence of Malaysia’s religious right has caused concern among LGBT activists. Anwar has previously stated that LGBT tendencies will never be recognized by his government, indicating a growing tension between the reformist government and the increasing intolerance against the country’s LGBTQ community.