The Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy said such engagement is aligned with the strategies contained in Malaysia’s National Strategic Plan on Ending AIDS 2016-2030.

“Malaysia has always had a transgender representative on its CCM,” Galen chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said in a statement.

“This role and burden of responsibility has been in recognition that this community is not ‘a problem’ but part of the solution to the country’s HIV epidemic.”

Rania Zara Medina’s appointment to the CCM reportedly came into effect on July 1.

The former beauty queen will serve as a CCM member for the 2019/2021 term.

Azrul said the success of Malaysia’s response to HIV is in part due to its strategy of ensuring engagement and participation from marginalised communities.

He said past and present CCMs have included representatives from “injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, people living with HIV and youth”.

“A transwoman, Khartini Slamah, stood beside Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during the launch of the 5th International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific held in Kuala Lumpur in 1999,” he added.

“Mahathir’s example in leading the way pushing back against stigma and discrimination of those living on the fringes of society made a huge difference in how we look at those living with or affected by the disease today.

“The emphasis should be on compassion and acceptance rather than discrimination and rejection.”