Seizure of Swatch's LGBTQ-themed watches was by the book, says Saifuddin
Published on: Tuesday, August 22, 2023
By: FMT
Between May 13 and 15, the home ministry was reported to have raided 11 Swatch outlets located in Pavilion KL, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall and Suria Sabah over the brand’s ‘Pride Collection’. (Swatch pic)
PETALING JAYA: Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has defended the seizure of Swatch’s “Pride Collection” watches in May, saying the raids were done by the book.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Saifuddin said his ministry had the authority to conduct such seizures, but did not specify under which Act officers had seized the items.
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“What is more important is that the seizure was done after receiving complaints from the public. But (Swatch Malaysia) considered it a breach of the law and brought the case to court. So let us settle it in the court.
“But I would like to stress that the seizure was done in accordance with the law,” he was quoted as saying.
Swatch Malaysia has filed a judicial review at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to challenge the government’s action in seizing 172 watches between May 13 and 15 at 11 Swatch shops located in Pavilion KL, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall and Suria Sabah over the brand’s “Pride Collection”.
Five shops at malls in Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru and Kuching were let off with warnings.
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The Swiss watchmaker claimed the seizure was illegal as the watches are not defined as a form of “publication” under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).
Swatch Malaysia also sought a court order to compel the ministry to return all watches if its bid is allowed.
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The High Court will hear Swatch Malaysia’s bid to commence the judicial review tomorrow.
Earlier this month, the home ministry issued a ban on all Swatch products that contain any lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) elements, whether on watches, boxes or wrappers.
Those who own such products could face up to three years in jail or a maximum fine of RM20,000, or both, if convicted.
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