Fair Space for Open Discussion
Handover of Memorandum to SUHAKAM
28 August 2003

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) reiterates our call for fair, honest and non-discriminatory gender portrayals in the media. Malaysian media has a great responsibility to ensure that the news or information that it broadcasts to the public are not biased or overtly moralistic. This is to ensure that the public is given the full account of all the facts to enable a more accurate picture of any incident, event or situation. As such, any prejudicial, one-dimensional accounts on marginalised groups, in this case, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transsexual (LGBT) community, is construed as irresponsible and unacceptable. Concomitantly, any censorship of alternative opinions is equally objectionable because it further shrinks the space for fair debate and comprehension.

This is especially when sexuality - being a large part of a person's identity - is a highly complex issue. To over-simplify gender constructs that does not fall within the ambit of "macho" or "feminine" behaviour as covertly homosexual is sorely lacking of any true understanding. In addition, the attributes of masculinity or femininity is by no means static, and is constantly changing according to each individual and societal context. When placing gender roles within rigidly defined boxes that does not permit the freedom of choice or negotiation, it becomes sexism, and with that, discrimination and inequality.

On a final note, whether we think if homosexuality is wrong or immoral or unreligious or acceptable, shouldn't we have the full picture to understand the psychology and sociology behind it? We should be given the space for all viewpoints to be aired and discussed. Only then we can weigh the matter and decide for ourselves where we want to make a stand. This is the same for any concern. If we adamantly blanket the issue except to demonise it because it is out of the norm, we are walking in the darkness of ignorance. With ignorance, comes shallow prejudism. What holocaust do we want to create from our stubborn fear of facing all the facts?

As such, WAO urges for responsible and fair reporting on all issues, especially with regards to the portrayals of women and men in the media. We hope that SUHAKAM will play its role as safeguarding our rights as citizens from being discriminated against on the ground of gender, as provided for under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution; as well as our rights to freedom of opinion and expression as well as personal development as protected under Articles 19 and 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Jaclyn Kee
Communications Officer

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