Police record statements from pro-LGBT gathering organisers

KUALA LUMPUR - Police have recorded the statements of six individuals yesterday to assist investigations into a recent parade in the city centre.

Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the individuals comprised five women and a man aged between 28 to 42.

They presented themselves at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters (IPD), here, yesterday to record their statements about the parade.

"Individuals involved were two organisers and four participants," he told Sinar Harian, today.

He added that several other individuals will also be called to facilitate the investigation.

Previously, a parade believed to have lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elements took place in front of the Sogo Complex and Dataran Merdeka on March 12.

Based on observations, there were about 150 people including human rights activists, students and political party members who participated in the rally.

Participants had held placards that wrote “Imagine If Men Are As Disgusted With Rape As With Periods”, “Child Not Pride”, “Trans Women Are Woman” and “Police Your Behavior Not My Body”, among others.

The case was being investigated under Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

Following the incident, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the ministry received reports and feedbacks from the public about the parade and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) together with the police will investigate the matter.