🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 131 (from laksa127)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa131.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/","crawl_time":1777311979,"first_indexed_time":1541498790,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"my,org,wao!\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/ s443","src_root_hash":"7440708791170822731","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"WAO Fully Supports Seksualiti Merdeka - Women's Aid Organisation","meta_descriptions":["Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has received from individuals, including government representatives, media outlets and the police."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"8th November 2011\nheanglee\nUncategorised\nWomen’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights.  WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception.\nNegative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups.\nMalaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability.\nAn elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’.\nSuch misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst.  People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society.  Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned.\nThe coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious.  WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch.  As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent.\nThe banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land.  The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)).\nMalaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated.  In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender.\nScholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region.  There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be.\nIt is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population.  If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens.\nSarah Thwaites\nProgramme Officer\nWomen’s Aid Organisation","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/#content)\n\n[![Women's Aid Organisation](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/wao-logo-red-png-compressed-v3-3.png)](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/)\n\n- [About](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n  - [About Us](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/about-us\/)\n  - [Our Services](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/our-services\/)\n  - [Our Advocacy](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/our-advocacy\/)\n  - [WAO Annual Reports](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/annual-report\/)\n  - [Contact Us](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/contact-us-2\/)\n- [Domestic Violence](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n  - [What is Domestic Violence?](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/what-is-domestic-violence\/)\n  - [Am I in an Abusive Relationship?](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/am-i-in-an-abusive-relationship\/)\n  - [Staying Safe During Domestic Violence](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/staying-safe-during-domestic-violence\/)\n  - [Getting Help for Domestic Violence](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/getting-help-for-domestic-violence\/)\n  - [Laws on Domestic Violence](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/laws-on-domestic-violence\/)\n  - [My friend is in an Abusive Relationship](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/my-friend-is-in-an-abusive-relationship\/)\n  - [WAO Services FAQ](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/what-to-expect-when-you-contact-wao\/)\n- [Rape](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n  - 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[Human Trafficking in Malaysia: A Focus on Women and Children](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/human-trafficking-in-malaysia-a-focus-on-women-and-children\/)\n    - [Domestic Violence Shelter Standards and Toolkit](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/domestic-violence-shelter-standards\/)\n    - [Malaysian NGO CEDAW Report](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/malaysian-ngo-cedaw-report\/)\n    - [Tina’s Journey](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/tinas-journey\/)\n    - [Working Together: Case Studies in Domestic Violence Response](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/working-together-case-studies-in-domestic-violence-response\/)\n    - [Garis Panduan Pengendalian Kes Keganasan Rumah Tangga](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/publications\/garis-panduan-pengendalian-kes-keganasan-rumah-tangga\/)\n  - [Policy Briefs](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/policy-briefs\/)\n  - [Survivors Speak Up](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/survivors-speak-up\/)\n  - [Statistics](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n    - [Domestic Violence Statistics](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/domestic-violence-statistics\/)\n    - [Rape Statistics](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/rape-statistics\/)\n    - [Sexual Harassment Statistics](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/sexual-harassment-statistics\/)\n    - [WAO Statistics](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-statistics\/)\n  - [Additional Resources](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/additional-resources\/)\n- [Get Involved](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n  - [Intern](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/intern\/)\n  - [Volunteer](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/volunteer\/)\n  - [Be a Member](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/be-a-member\/)\n  - [Careers](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/careers\/)\n- [Youth Empowerment](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/youthempowerment\/)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/donate\/)\n  - [Wishlist](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/donate\/wishlist\/)\n  - [WePledge](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wepledge2021\/)\n  - [Fundraising Campaigns](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/fundraising\/)\n- [Search](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n\n[Open mobile menuClose mobile menu](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n\nNews\n\n[Home](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/) » [News](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/news\/) » [News](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/news\/) » WAO Fully Supports Seksualiti Merdeka\n\n# WAO Fully Supports Seksualiti Merdeka\n- 8th November 2011\n- heanglee\n- [Uncategorised](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/category\/uncategorised\/)\n- [0 Comments](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/#respond)\n\nWomen’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception.\n\nNegative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups.\n\nMalaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability.\n\nAn elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’.\n\nSuch misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society. Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned.\n\nThe coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious. WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch. As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent.\n\nThe banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)).\n\nMalaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated. In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender.\n\nScholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be.\n\nIt is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population. If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens.\n\nSarah Thwaites\n\nProgramme Officer\n\nWomen’s Aid Organisation\n\n### Share This\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/)\n\n### Related Posts\n[Kenyataan Media JAG- Isu “Suka Sama Suka”](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/kenyataan-media-jag-isu-suka-sama-suka\/)\n\nKenyataan Media — Untuk Siaran Segera Kuala Lumpur, 23 September 2025 Joint Action Group for…\n\n[Urgent International Mobilisation for Palestinian Women and Girls in Gaza Needed](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/urgent-international-mobilisation-for-palestinian-women-and-girls-in-gaza-needed\/)\n\nMedia Statement – For Immediate Publication Kuala Lumpur, 30 MAY 2024 Women's Aid Organisation (WAO)…\n\n[Joint NGO Report, for the Malaysian Government’s Review by the CEDAW Committee, at the 88th CEDAW Session in May 2024](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/joint-ngo-report-for-the-malaysian-governments-review-by-the-cedaw-committee-at-the-88th-cedaw-session-in-may-2024\/)\n\nMalaysia ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women…\n\n### Comments (0)\n### Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/#respond)\nYou must be [logged in](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwao.org.my%2Fwao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka%2F) to post a comment.\n\nRecent Posts\n\n- [Kenyataan Media JAG- Isu “Suka Sama Suka”](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/kenyataan-media-jag-isu-suka-sama-suka\/)\n- [Urgent International Mobilisation for Palestinian Women and Girls in Gaza Needed](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/urgent-international-mobilisation-for-palestinian-women-and-girls-in-gaza-needed\/)\n- [Joint NGO Report, for the Malaysian Government’s Review by the CEDAW Committee, at the 88th CEDAW Session in May 2024](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/joint-ngo-report-for-the-malaysian-governments-review-by-the-cedaw-committee-at-the-88th-cedaw-session-in-may-2024\/)\n- [Keperluan Mendesak untuk Menangani Keganasan Terhadap Wanita selepas Insiden Tembakan KLIA Terminal 1](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/keperluan-mendesak-untuk-menangani-keganasan-terhadap-wanita-selepas-insiden-tembakan-klia-terminal-1\/)\n- [Urgent Need to Address Violence Against Women After Shooting in KLIA 1 Terminal](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/urgent-need-to-address-violence-against-women-after-shooting-in-klia-1-terminal\/)\n\nArchives\n\n- [September 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P.O.Box 493, Jalan Sultan 46760 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia\n- [03 7957 5636 (Office Number) +603 3000 8858 (Hotline Number)](<tel:03 7957 5636 (Office Number) +603 3000 8858 (Hotline Number)>)\n- [018 988 8058 (TINA (SMS\/Whatsapp)](<tel:018 988 8058 (TINA (SMS\/Whatsapp)>)\n- [info@wao.org.my](mailto:info@wao.org.my)\n\n[**WAO Complaints Policy Procedure**](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-complaints-policy-procedure\/)\n\nIf you have any feedback or complaint to share with WAO, please email to feedback@wao.org.my.\n\n![](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/chs-logo.png)   \n We are a [Core Humanitarian Standard](https:\/\/www.chsalliance.org\/) member working towards accreditation.   \n Copyright © 2022, Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) - All Rights Reserved.   \n [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/privacy-policy\/)\n\n[Back To Top](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka\/#top)\n\n[bk8](https:\/\/bk8thai-official.fun\/) [bk8](https:\/\/bk8thvip.live\/) [bk8](https:\/\/bk8th.io\/) [แทงบอลโลก](https:\/\/bk8thepl.uk.com\/%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A5)\n\n[bk8](https:\/\/bk8thai-official.fun\/) [bk8](https:\/\/bk8thvip.live\/) [bk8](https:\/\/bk8th.io\/) [แทงบอลโลก](https:\/\/bk8thepl.uk.com\/%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A5)","attrs_readable_markdown":"- 8th November 2011\n- heanglee\n- [Uncategorised](https:\/\/wao.org.my\/category\/uncategorised\/)\n\nWomen’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception.\n\nNegative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups.\n\nMalaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability.\n\nAn elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’.\n\nSuch misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society. Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned.\n\nThe coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious. WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch. As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent.\n\nThe banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)).\n\nMalaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated. In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender.\n\nScholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be.\n\nIt is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population. If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens.\n\nSarah Thwaites\n\nProgramme Officer\n\nWomen’s Aid Organisation","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"","ml_types_json":"","ml_intent_types_json":"","meta_language":"en-gb","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":1320725747,"attrs_original_publish_time":1320725747,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1506","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"593","body_ext_links_number":12,"body_int_links_number":228,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":1467,"download_ttfb_msec":1280,"download_size":26813}

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Meta Title	WAO Fully Supports Seksualiti Merdeka - Women's Aid Organisation
Meta Description	Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has received from individuals, including government representatives, media outlets and the police.
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Boilerpipe Text	8th November 2011 heanglee Uncategorised Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception. Negative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups. Malaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability. An elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’. Such misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society. Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned. The coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious. WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch. As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent. The banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)). Malaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated. In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender. Scholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be. It is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population. If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens. Sarah Thwaites Programme Officer Women’s Aid Organisation
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/#content) [![Women's Aid Organisation](https://wao.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/wao-logo-red-png-compressed-v3-3.png)](https://wao.org.my/) - [About](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) - [About Us](https://wao.org.my/about-us/) - [Our Services](https://wao.org.my/our-services/) - [Our Advocacy](https://wao.org.my/our-advocacy/) - [WAO Annual Reports](https://wao.org.my/annual-report/) - [Contact Us](https://wao.org.my/contact-us-2/) - [Domestic Violence](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) - [What is Domestic Violence?](https://wao.org.my/what-is-domestic-violence/) - [Am I in an Abusive Relationship?](https://wao.org.my/am-i-in-an-abusive-relationship/) - [Staying Safe During Domestic Violence](https://wao.org.my/staying-safe-during-domestic-violence/) - [Getting Help for Domestic Violence](https://wao.org.my/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/) - [Laws on Domestic Violence](https://wao.org.my/laws-on-domestic-violence/) - 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8th November 2011 - heanglee - [Uncategorised](https://wao.org.my/category/uncategorised/) - [0 Comments](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/#respond) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception. Negative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups. Malaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability. An elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’. Such misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society. Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned. The coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious. WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch. As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent. The banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)). Malaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated. In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender. Scholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be. It is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population. If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens. Sarah Thwaites Programme Officer Women’s Aid Organisation ### Share This - [Twitter](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) - [Facebook](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) - [Pinterest](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) - [LinkedIn](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/) ### Related Posts [Kenyataan Media JAG- Isu “Suka Sama Suka”](https://wao.org.my/kenyataan-media-jag-isu-suka-sama-suka/) Kenyataan Media — Untuk Siaran Segera Kuala Lumpur, 23 September 2025 Joint Action Group for… [Urgent International Mobilisation for Palestinian Women and Girls in Gaza Needed](https://wao.org.my/urgent-international-mobilisation-for-palestinian-women-and-girls-in-gaza-needed/) Media Statement – For Immediate Publication Kuala Lumpur, 30 MAY 2024 Women's Aid Organisation (WAO)… [Joint NGO Report, for the Malaysian Government’s Review by the CEDAW Committee, at the 88th CEDAW Session in May 2024](https://wao.org.my/joint-ngo-report-for-the-malaysian-governments-review-by-the-cedaw-committee-at-the-88th-cedaw-session-in-may-2024/) Malaysia ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women… ### Comments (0) ### Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](https://wao.org.my/wao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka/#respond) You must be [logged in](https://wao.org.my/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwao.org.my%2Fwao-fully-supports-seksualiti-merdeka%2F) to post a comment. 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Readable Markdown	- 8th November 2011 - heanglee - [Uncategorised](https://wao.org.my/category/uncategorised/) Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) is appalled by the persecutory treatment the Seksualiti Merdeka festival has receiSeksualiti Merdeka has been an annual festival since 2008 and it provides a safe space for all people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to come together to share knowledge about human rights. WAO has supported and participated in the festival since its inception. Negative comments by individuals about Seksualiti Merdeka reported in the press have ranged from baseless and illogical to inciting hatred against marginalised groups. Malaysia’s Home Minister is reported to have said that the festival, which includes art exhibitions, theatre and music performances and workshops and a book launch, is a threat to national stability. An elected member of parliament is reported to have claimed that the festival is attempting to promote ‘animal’ culture, while yet another elected representative alleged that it is ‘deviationist’. Such misinformed opinions and blatant fear-mongering is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are among the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society. Condemnatory statements by various elements of government perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and hinder the reporting of human rights abuses from those whose rights have been violated, leading to an environment in which continued violence and oppression is condoned. The coverage by some media outlets has been atrocious. WAO condemns the defamatory claims made against Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, who was never involved in the organising of the festival, and whose role was merely to officiate the launch. As a human rights defender and a woman who has achieved much in her career, including being a pioneer member of WAO and the President of the Bar Council, Ambiga has demonstrated a lifelong unwavering commitment to social justice for all and attacks on her character are utterly unjustified and abhorrent. The banning of the Seksualiti Merdeka festival by the police and ongoing monitoring by DBKL contravenes the fundamental liberties of Malaysians, which are enshrined in the nation’s Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to personal liberty, which includes the right to privacy (Article 5(1)), freedom of speech and expression (Article 10(1a)) and freedom of association (Article 10(1c)). Malaysia’s own national human rights commission, SUHAKAM, has declared that human rights are for all, and that people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are not to be excluded and their rights must not be violated. In this regard, the value of Seksualiti Merdeka has been affirmed by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development who in a press statement in April this year recommended Seksualiti Merdeka as a resource for those seeking support on issues of sexuality and gender. Scholarly research has shown that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are found throughout the world in every culture – such diversity is not a ‘Western’ construct and has a long history in our region. There are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people throughout the families, kampungs and cities of Malaysia and always will be. It is time for those who have been condemning Seksualiti Merdeka to catch up with the rest of the world and accept the diversity of our population. If Malaysia, as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, wants to hold its head up in the international arena then the persecution, stigmatisation and vilification of marginalised people must stop and the government must begin to respect and protect the human rights of all its citizens. Sarah Thwaites Programme Officer Women’s Aid Organisation
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