Mak nyah
Encyclopedia
Mak nyah is a Malay
term for a male-to-female transsexual. The name is preferred by Malaysian transsexuals to various derogatory terms (namely, pondan and bapok), as these slurs are variously directed to gay men as well as transsexuals. Mak nyah is formed from the word mak, meaning 'mother', and 'nyah', meaning 'transition' (literally, 'to run from'). Though less used, the term pak nyah is sometimes used for female-to-male transsexuals, and the hybrid term mak-pak nyah for all transsexuals. These terms are sometimes also used by and for cross-dressers
.
In 1983, the Malaysian Conference of Rulers
ruled that sex-reassignment surgery should be forbidden to all except intersex
people. Under Section 21 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, mak nyah can be charged for indecent behaviour for dressing as women. Such a charge usually results in a small fine of RM
25–50. However, as the majority of mak nyah are Muslim
, they can be further charged by a syariah
court for offences against Islamic law, for which there is a fine of RM800–3,000. Police and religious officials can and do carry out raids in search of mak nyah and others considered guilty of 'sex crimes'.
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
term for a male-to-female transsexual. The name is preferred by Malaysian transsexuals to various derogatory terms (namely, pondan and bapok), as these slurs are variously directed to gay men as well as transsexuals. Mak nyah is formed from the word mak, meaning 'mother', and 'nyah', meaning 'transition' (literally, 'to run from'). Though less used, the term pak nyah is sometimes used for female-to-male transsexuals, and the hybrid term mak-pak nyah for all transsexuals. These terms are sometimes also used by and for cross-dressers
Cross-dressing
Cross-dressing is the wearing of clothing and other accoutrement commonly associated with a gender within a particular society that is seen as different than the one usually presented by the dresser...
.
In 1983, the Malaysian Conference of Rulers
Conference of Rulers
The Conference of Rulers in Malaysia is a council comprising the nine rulers of the Malay states, and the governors or Yang di-Pertua Negeri of the other four states...
ruled that sex-reassignment surgery should be forbidden to all except intersex
Intersex
Intersex, in humans and other animals, is the presence of intermediate or atypical combinations of physical features that usually distinguish female from male...
people. Under Section 21 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, mak nyah can be charged for indecent behaviour for dressing as women. Such a charge usually results in a small fine of RM
Malaysian ringgit
The Malaysian ringgit is the currency of Malaysia. It is divided into 100 sen...
25–50. However, as the majority of mak nyah are Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
, they can be further charged by a syariah
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...
court for offences against Islamic law, for which there is a fine of RM800–3,000. Police and religious officials can and do carry out raids in search of mak nyah and others considered guilty of 'sex crimes'.