PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman's press officer, following criticisms of his lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activism, may be a case of employment discrimination, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).



"Suhakam is therefore concerned that this maybe a case of workplace and/or employment discrimination, which we regret, seems to be continuing in the public and private sectors, which will result in job insecurity for LGBT people, making it difficult for them to provide for themselves and their dependents," its chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail said in a statement on Wednesday (July 11).



Razali lamented that the Youth and Sports Ministry had to cave in to public pressure and did not take a "principled stand" on the matter.



"Suhakam would have hoped that the Officer would have been assessed and evaluated on his skills, qualifications, and ability to contribute to the Ministry and our country, instead of being deemed to be unfit for the position based solely on his sexual orientation, which is a characteristic completely irrelevant to job performance," he said.



Syed Saddiq's press officer Numan Afifi Saadan was forced to resign following criticisms of his LGBT activism in the past.



Syed Saddiq too came under fire after critics voiced out against Numan being the organiser of a Pride Day breaking of fast event held in 2017.



Razali said the Commission had received numerous complaints of human rights violations from the LGBT community due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.



He added that the nation was supposed to ensure equality of its citizens under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.



Razali hoped that the Pakatan Harapan Government would find a way to develop a national conscience to protect society's most vulnerable.



"Suhakam reiterates that all human beings, which includes LGBT persons, shall be provided access to among others, education, employment, housing and healthcare services without discrimination," he said.

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