Mak Nyahs: The Real Marginalized Group

I read a book on Malaysia’s marginalized groups.

Titled Malaysia: Public Policy & Marginalized Groups, the book mentions no whatsoever discrimination against any races. (I think that is why the book is allowed to be sold in Malaysian bookstores)

While Indians, and the Chinese are discriminated against by the policies of Malaysia, the book offers a new perspective of other marginalized groups that are discriminated by many bodies: the Government, the policies, the races, and religions. Not only that, these groups are victims of social classing by the Malaysian citizens (Also, many parts of the world).

They are the women, immigrants, and the transsexuals.

From these three categories, I found that the Transsexuals face the most hardships - socially, and economically.

Just a few days back, my friends, and I, went on search for the Transsexuals in Kuching, Malaysia.

It was the crazy idea of my old friend whom I have not seen for many years.

There were three cars, two are van-like vehicles, and I was in some sedan. (Pardon me for my lack of automobile knowledge).

We traced some to transsexuals near the town center of Kuching. It was our objective to make them accept our strip-dance offer.

Apparently, that’s not what they do.

After failing to convince the first pack of transsexuals to strip-dance, we went on another search.

In Malaysia, visitors can see an obvious transition between places in the city. From a Chinese based area, we zoomed to the area of the Malays. Between those two places, lie the Indian street.

In this area, we found five transsexuals strutting at the sides of the streets. The area was relatively dark, with very little life going on, except a little Cafe that is just on the opposite side of the street.

We managed to talk to one of the transsexuals, and this time we used a different approach.

To respect her identity, we gave her a nickname: Bawang Merah (Red Onion)

Bawang Merah told us, she would service us for RM30 (IDR: 70,000 apx.). By service, she meant oral sex. Some of my friends even told me, these transsexuals would do it for RM10 (IDR: 27,000 apx.) There is even an additional charge for extra treatment called the Air Con. Basically, this service involves them performing oral sex, while they have mint candy in their mouths, to give the cooling effect to the man’s genitalia.

I was amused, yet at the same time, dumb-struck.

Life is hard enough as it is. I can’t imagine the life of these transsexuals just for the sake of survival.

In many parts of the world, societies have always labeled transsexuals in a negative light, without usually understanding them.

Phua Kai Lit (the author of the book) has managed to research, and survey the transsexuals in Malaysia. He also relied on other experts to help in his study.

In Malaysia, a transsexual is called a Mak Nyah.
In Indonesia, we call them Waria.
In Thailand, Kathoey.
In India, Hijra.
And Accault, in Myanmar/Burma.

In Malaysia, Mak Nyahs face a high degree of discrimination, interestingly 50 years back it was not so. They were generally accepted, and tolerated.

They could change their identity after a sex change, they were economically better, they were respected, and had proper jobs.

Years after Malaysia reached its independence, the Malays in Malaysia felt the urge to make Malaysia a more Islamized country.

After the expulsion of PAS (Pasti Se Islam Malaysia) from the Barisan National, UMNO (United Malays National Organization) had to compete with PAS on its Islamization policies.

During the Mahathir Era, Malaysia was well on its way to the Islamization process. Mahathir was also the only leader who was serious about the concept. He planned programs, and implemented them in the government’s drive towards Islamization.

Soon after, cross dressing was prohibited, especially for males. If anyone was to be caught cross dressing, they could be charged under the Minor Offences 1955.

Since most transsexuals in Malaysia are Muslims, they can be charged in the Syariah Court for going against the Tenets of Islam.

Transsexuals who undergo sex change operation cannot change their identity status, thus shutting them out from the process of insurance, and many other beneficial policies.

Here are the quick points of Transsexuals that Phua Kai Lit have researched:

• Malay Mak Nyahs make up 80 percent of the total transsexuals in the country, thus most of them are Muslims
• Non-Muslim Mak Nyahs are mainly Buddhists, Christians, or Hindus.
• Half of the 507 Mak Nyahs interviewed are sex workers.
• 73 percent of them have an income of less than RM1,000 a month (IDR: 2,700,000 appx.)
• 30 percent live below the official poverty line: RM500 a month (IDR: 1,400,000 appx.)
• Significant number of Muslim transsexuals would opt for sex change if their religion permits them.
• 21 percent had already have breast implants.
• 96 percent of them have never been sexually attracted to girls
• They dislike their Penis, and would rather go for a sex change. Some attempted suicide.
• They are attracted to men from a very young age; they think having sex with females make them ‘lesbians’
• Many of the transsexuals do not get pleasure from their Penis, instead they are passive receivers: anal/oral.
• Mak Nyahs usually live around town centers for job purposes

These people are the silent minority.

They are obviously discriminated against, and have never had enough support.

They can’t protest, because they know a big number of society condemn them. Especially, the government.

Can we compare the hardships of the Indians (relating Hindraf), to the hardships of these people?

Maybe a new wave of the other marginalized groups would be awaken, demanding for their rights.

Standing strong on my belief, I am waiting for that day.

 

THE REAL MARGINALIZED GROUPS OF THE WORLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Malaysia: Public Policy & Marginalized Groups. Malaysian Social Science Assocation 2007. Edited by Phua Kai Lit. Vinlin Press Sdn. Bhd.