In a statement published on its website, Justice for Sisters expressed concern over actions taken by the authorities on the issue of Nur Sajat’s gender, adding that it had the endorsement of 13 other NGOs and groups.
“We are deeply concerned over the speculation and scrutiny of Nur Sajat’s gender identity and the escalation of events concerning this matter.
“We echo Nur Sajat’s assertion that her gender identity is not, and should not, be a matter of national interest,” Justice for Sisters said.
The other NGOs and civil society movements behind the statement are Trans men of Malaysia, SEED Malaysia, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Sisters in Islam, the Women’s Aid Organisation, All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), Association of Women Lawyers, PELANGI – Campaign for Equality and Human Rights Initiative, Komuniti Muslim Universal, Pluho, People Like Us, Hang Out!, Suaram Malaysia, Malaysian Atheists and Secular Humanists (MASH) and The Malaysian Feminist.
They said Article 5 of the Federal Constitution along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all persons are born equal and free and are entitled to live their lives with dignity.
“The continued harassment of celebrities and entrepreneurs on social media by members of the public, and persecution by Jakim, is a blatant violation of Nur Sajat’s rights.”
It was reported on Jan 17 that Jakim met with Nur Sajat and her parents over allegations that she may be a transgender.
Following the meeting, senior Jakim officer Mohd Izwan Yusof wrote on his Facebook page that Nur Sajat must undergo a “lengthy process” in order for authorities to officially verify her gender.
The groups said no one should be subjected to gender or medical tests to prove their gender identity.
“We are concerned that this move by Jakim will further victimise and bring humiliation to Nur Sajat,” the statement said.
Calling the “process” inherently intrusive, degrading and dehumanising, the NGOs demanded that Jakim make public what is involved in its gender test, and all related processes.
They said Nur Sajat had been the target of attacks on social media for the past two years.
“Her well being and dignity should always remain the utmost priority, as she has been the recipient of hateful comments, investigation and disclosure of personal information since 2016, all due to her gender identity.”
‘Gender not determined by genitals’
Justice for Sisters added that gender identity is not a matter of “genitals”.
“We emphasise that gender identity is not determined by our genitals. Both sex and gender identity is a spectrum, consisting of many identities that are not limited to male, female, women, men.
“Inter-sex, transgender, gender queer are equally normal identities that exist, similar to cisgender persons or people whose identities assigned at birth ‘match’ their lived experiences or how they feel and identify.”
The NGOs and civil society groups called for the government to instead take meaningful measures to increase understanding and educate government agencies and members of the public regarding gender identity and gender-based bullying and violence.
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