Malaysian Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch LGBT Watches

In a landmark ruling, a Malaysian court has ordered the return of 172 rainbow-colored watches seized from Swatch, challenging the government's earlier actions citing a lack of legal basis for the confiscation. This development underscores the contentious relationship between LGBTQ+ rights and governmental regulations in a country where homosexuality is still illegal.

A Malaysian court has ruled that the government must return 172 rainbow-colored watches seized from the Swiss watchmaker Swatch in May 2023. The confiscation occurred under accusations that the watches bore "LGBT elements," an act justified in a country where homosexuality faces severe legal ramifications.

The court's decision hinged on the fact that the government did not possess a warrant for the seizure, and a law that banned the sale of such items was only enacted several months later. Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged the ruling, stating that the government would thoroughly evaluate the judgment before considering any appeal. He emphasized the importance of abiding by the court's decision to avoid allegations of contempt.

Following raids on Swatch outlets nationwide, officials issued a prohibition on the watches in August 2023, long after their initial seizure. Although the court has mandated the return of the timepieces, that ruling does not reverse the ongoing prohibition which prevents their sale, leaving the seized watches, worth approximately $14,000 (£10,700), in limbo. Prosecutor Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali confirmed the authorities have 14 days to comply with the court's order.

In response to the seizures, Swatch initiated legal proceedings in June 2023, asserting that the watches posed no threat to public order or morality. While Swatch characterized the Pride flag as a symbol of inclusivity, Malaysian authorities argued that the branding could promote the non-accepted LGBTQ+ movement. Following the legal dispute, Swatch claimed irreparable damage to its reputation and business in the local market due to the government's actions. The case sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia, where both secular and religious frameworks prohibit homosexuality.