Politically Frank: We tried to solve Sajat's 'sexual, biological' identity, says ex-religious minister

SHAH ALAM - Controversial cosmetic entreprenuer Muhammad Sajjad Kamaruz Zaman or commonly known as Nur Sajat has often caught the eye of the public with his stand over gender identity.

Last year, he left Malaysia for Thailand. Eventually, he arrived in Australia, and was granted political asylum ending his conflict with the religious department over sexual identity. She is still regarded as a man under Malaysian law and a female in Australia.

However, despite leading a new life in Australia as a woman, the outspoken Sajat continues to be in the public domain.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) tried to look for solutions with public feedback.

"During my time as a minister, we tried to solve the problems about his sexual biological identity and the acceptance of the public towards him.

"Then we found out that he fled to Australia and maybe he is free to do that in another country, but the lesson here is that we must make sure the traditional customs are respected,” he said during a with Sinar Daily Politically Frank talk?.

He added that the religious establishment tried to get the public to understand the ongoing situation, and Sajat should have respected the initiatives taken.

Sajat was accused of dressing as a woman at a religious event in 2018 under section 10(a) of the Syariah Crime (Selangor) Enactment 1995, which metes out a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both if convicted.