The women's wing of Islamic group Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) said Muslim groups should avoid simplistic and judgemental approaches to transexuality.

Wanita JIM chief Dr Harlina Haliza Siraj said all groups involved, including those that consider themselves to be progressive, should be prepared to discuss the issue rather than "force their views down other people's throats".

She was commenting on calls by various quarters for legal recognition of persons who have undergone sex-change operations, following last Friday's decision by the Ipoh High Court.

It rejected an application by Wong Chiou Yoon for a declaration that she is a man, after the National Registration Department refused to recognise her change of gender following a sex-change operation. The court said it had no power "to usurp the function of Parliament".

Harlina said groups who advocate the absolute rights of individuals in Malaysian society have to recognise that, in Islam, "there is such a thing as the rights of the collective which also have to be considered".

"If some people feel their individual human rights should be considered, they should also consider the collective human rights of others and ask whether they are denying others tranquility."

Harlina noted that transexuality has occurred in every society throughout history but that every community has differed on the extent to which this is accepted and regarded as normal. In Malaysia, for example, transexuality has been deemed an aberarration rather than the norm.

"In India, for example, it is well accepted in its society, with its own hierarchy of leadership and functions in society. In such countries, transexuals walking down the street wouldn't get a second glance," she said.

"In Malaysia, however, the 'equilibrium' is different. I'm sorry to say this, but my transexual brothers and sisters are disturbing that equilibrium."

'Address causes'

Dr Harlina also said Islam is very clear in that it does not allow men or women to change their sex for reasons other than medically 'clarifying' their physiological identity.

However, the gap between the ideals of the Islamic society as envisioned by the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings) and today's realities are too wide for Muslims to adopt a simplistic and judgemental perspective on transexuality.

"I've always wondered whether those who talk about transexuals have ever spoken to them. If they have, they would realise that they are just people, confused persons trapped between two personalities," she said.

"I met a group of transexuals just last month and I think we should be close to them because they need our help. They have difficulty finding work, and some of them need medical help.

Harlina also said Muslim groups that merely judge and condemn transexuals without making the effort to address the roots causes of their situation are neglecting their responsibilities.

"Any social dilemma or social ill is represented by different variables, such as incest or rape. We always find something common in these, not merely something physical, but something emotional or spiritual."

"We are du'at (callers to good) not qudhat (judges). I would ask those who merely criticise transexuals whether they've done their part to befriend and speak to them about their situation. If not, they should just keep quiet."