The Kuala Lumpur High Court mandates the return of 172 watches from Swatch, highlighting legal issues surrounding Malaysia's stance on LGBT rights.
Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch Watches in Malaysia
Court Orders Return of Seized Swatch Watches in Malaysia
Malaysian authorities face legal consequences after unlawful seizure of rainbow-colored watches.
In a significant ruling, a Malaysian court has mandated the return of 172 rainbow-colored watches that were confiscated from the Swiss watchmaker Swatch by government authorities. The seizure took place in May 2023, following the government’s assertion that the watches contained "LGBT elements," a sensitive issue in the Muslim-majority nation where homosexuality is deemed illegal and can incur severe penalties.
The High Court's verdict concluded that the government lacked a warrant for the confiscation, noting that the restrictive law governing the sale of such items was enacted only after the watches were taken. Home Affairs minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged that the government is assessing whether to appeal the ruling while stressing the need for compliance with the court's decision to avoid accusations of contempt.
The authorities had conducted raids on Swatch outlets across Malaysia in May, yet prohibitions against selling the watches were not enforced until August. Consequently, the court ruled that Swatch had not violated any laws at the time the items were seized. Although the watches, valued at approximately $14,000, are to be returned, the prohibition against their sale remains in place.
Swatch initiated legal proceedings in June 2023 contesting the government's actions, arguing that the watches could not disrupt public order or violate legal statutes. The company has maintained that the Pride flag symbolizes inclusivity, in stark contrast to the Malaysian government’s characterization of LGBT themes as potentially damaging to the nation's social cohesion.
While Malaysian authorities have termed the watches as instruments potentially leading to the normalization of the LGBTQ+ movement—which remains largely rejected by the populace—the situation has left the brand in a precarious position, impacting its reputation and business operations. As the events unfold, the Swatch Group has chosen not to comment on the court's ruling or the ongoing legal matters.
The High Court's verdict concluded that the government lacked a warrant for the confiscation, noting that the restrictive law governing the sale of such items was enacted only after the watches were taken. Home Affairs minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged that the government is assessing whether to appeal the ruling while stressing the need for compliance with the court's decision to avoid accusations of contempt.
The authorities had conducted raids on Swatch outlets across Malaysia in May, yet prohibitions against selling the watches were not enforced until August. Consequently, the court ruled that Swatch had not violated any laws at the time the items were seized. Although the watches, valued at approximately $14,000, are to be returned, the prohibition against their sale remains in place.
Swatch initiated legal proceedings in June 2023 contesting the government's actions, arguing that the watches could not disrupt public order or violate legal statutes. The company has maintained that the Pride flag symbolizes inclusivity, in stark contrast to the Malaysian government’s characterization of LGBT themes as potentially damaging to the nation's social cohesion.
While Malaysian authorities have termed the watches as instruments potentially leading to the normalization of the LGBTQ+ movement—which remains largely rejected by the populace—the situation has left the brand in a precarious position, impacting its reputation and business operations. As the events unfold, the Swatch Group has chosen not to comment on the court's ruling or the ongoing legal matters.
