‘Judge people based on skills, not sexual orientation’

PETALING JAYA: The former aide to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman should have been judged based on his skills and not his sexual orientation, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said.

Commenting on the resignation of Numan Afifi Saadan following backlash over his lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activism, Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail said it was unfortunate that the ministry caved in to public pressure and did not take a principled stand on the matter which concerned equality and non-discrimination in employment.

“Suhakam would have hoped that the officer was assessed and evaluated on his skills, qualifications and ability to contribute to the ministry and our country, instead of being deemed to be unfit for the position based solely on his sexual orientation, which is a characteristic completely irrelevant to job per- formance,” he said in a statement.

Razali said Suhakam was extremely troubled and uncomfortable over the resignation as Malaysia is supposed to ensure equality of its citizens under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.

He said workplace discrimination seemed to be continuing in the public and private sectors, which would result in job insecurity for LGBT people, making it difficult for them to provide for themselves and their dependants.

He added that Suhakam had received numerous complaints of human rights violations from the LGBT community due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Razali hoped the Pakatan Harapan Government would find a way to develop a national conscience to protect society’s most vulnerable despite the unavoidable opposition from certain quarters.

“Suhakam wonders whether the hangover of the past is still linger- ing among new leaders, even with the younger ones.

“The Government must stand up for everyone while firmly upholding principles of equality and non-discrimination in accordance with our Federal Constitution,” he said.

Razali stressed that all human beings, including LGBT persons, shall be provided access to, among others, education, employment, housing and healthcare services without discrimination.