Press Digest - NGO wants religious authorities to approach GID groups

KUALA LUMPUR: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has urged the religious authorities to engage with Muslims experiencing gender identity disorder (GID).
This is to ensure that their faith does not deviate from the teachings of Islam, Utusan Malaysia reported today.
Muafakat Sejahtera Masyarakat Malaysia president Ismail Mina Ahmad said if such a situation is left unattended, it could contribute to Muslims in the country adapting liberalism.
He said the emerging liberal movements, that are trying to challenge Islam, could influence the transsexual community by promising freedom to reveal their inner self.
His comment came in light of the decision by the Court of Appeal declaring the Negri Sembilan Syariah law which provided punishment for Muslim men dressed in women's clothes in public as conflicting with the Federal Constitution.
"This is not a small issue and members of the public, especially Muslim NGO and religious authorities, must come forward to save the faith of this group and provide them guidance," he said.
He said the implication of the transgender issue could contribute to other sensitive issues as the movement to liberalise Islamic teachings could be found anywhere.
Meanwhile, Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam chairman Hafiz Nordin said the Court of Appeal decision can be translated as encouraging some groups supporting the way of life of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT).
He said the Syariah Court should have the right to enforce religious laws and any attempt to challenge the decision in a civil court should be denied.
He added the decision by the Court of Appeal was disappointing and it could set a precedent in allowing the public to be involved with LGBT activities.