This comes after Suhakam posted a research position opening on its social media, to study the feasibility of having legislation to recognise a third gender in Malaysia.

Suhakam said the research project would last for five months tentatively from the date of appointment, with the closing date for applications on June 30.

“Jakim has requested an official explanation from Suhakam on the matter,” the department said in a brief Twitter post today.

FMT is attempting to get Suhakam’s comment.

The commission’s research opening had drawn flak on Facebook, with several netizens describing it as a waste of time and resources.

“No need (for) research on this. This is Malaysia. Not western countries. The answer is absolutely no and no,” said a user named Ahmad Zulnasri Abdul Khalid.

Meanwhile, some netizens hit back at Jakim’s tweet, with one user questioning if the whole nation was required to report to the Islamic department now.