This comes after the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) also expressed disappointment over Izhar Ariff Kashim’s remarks at the event in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, organised by the health ministry.
The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy claimed that Izhar, of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s religious studies faculty, had sought to demonise these communities when one of the main goals of the event was to tackle stigma when it came to AIDS.
Galen Centre CEO Azrul Khalib said this only served to exemplify the inequalities and attitudes that stood in the way of ending the AIDS epidemic in Malaysia.
“He might think it is harmless, but his words have real consequences. These communities, which include transgender persons and people living with HIV in Malaysia, encounter harrassment, discrimination and physical and emotional violence.
“Izhar sends a terrible signal which may cause an escalation of harmful and discriminating action, both institutional and vigilantism, against these communities. Where is his compassion and generosity of spirit?”
Galen Centre senior fellow Mitch Yusmar Yusof said Izhar should have promoted a message of compassion and empathy instead of creating more fear among those living with HIV.
“We are concerned that this message at an important health event will also create obstacles and barriers for people from these communities, including transgender persons, to seek health services.
“Fear and discrimination discourage them from seeking treatment and care. They may have trouble finding alternative healthcare services if they are turned away.”
Yesterday, the MAC said it had raised concerns over Izhar’s inclusion as a speaker for the national World AIDS Day celebration, but was assured that he had been briefed and that no discriminatory remarks would be made.
It said it will be writing an official complaint to the health ministry and the Negeri Sembilan health department.
Meanwhile, the state health department maintained that it supported efforts to tackle stigma and discrimination faced by key populations in the battle against HIV and AIDS.
Expressing regret over the incident involving Izhar, it apologised “if there were issues that touched on sensitivities throughout the celebration” of World AIDS Day.