Cries for speedy action over murder grow louder

PETALING JAYA: The gruesome murder of a transgender woman has sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice.

Deputy Women, Community and Family Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said what happened to the victim in Klang on Wednesday night, was unacceptable.

“I urge the police to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice,” she said in a statement posted on Facebook yesterday.

According to a post-mortem report, the victim suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain. The cause of death was due to severe head injuries caused by a blunt object.

The woman was found unconscious in front of a hotel in Bukit Tinggi at about 7am, on Thursday.

Sisters in Islam also condemned the murder of the 32-year-old Sabahan.

“We are worried about the rise in hate crimes and hostilities towards minority groups and marginalised communities, which is completely unacceptable.

“We call on the authorities to conduct immediate investigations and to ensure that those responsible are made to answer for their crimes,” it said in a Facebook statement.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) activist Pang Khee Teik also lashed out at the authorities.

He said transgender women are prone to hate crimes due to the lack of rights in Malaysia.

“When will Malaysia realise that when you deny LGBT their rights, you are enabling crimes to be committed against us,” he said in a Facebook posting yesterday.