Action against Fatine undecided yet

Pearl Lee – Malay Mail

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has not decided whether to take any action against transsexual Mohd Fadzil Min Bahari, also known as Fatine, at this stage.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom, who is in charge of religious matters, said the government would first investigate whether Fatine had indeed entered into a civil union in the United Kingdom.

“I do not want to comment on matters that we cannot ascertain yet. We need to first find out whether the person had indeed entered into a marriage, as what we have heard so far is based purely on hearsay,” he told reporters after officiating the Asian Haj Route Symposium at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial here this morning.

He said at the moment, the relevant religious authorities were investigating the matter and after confirmation has been obtained on Fatine’s marriage would the government make any comment on the possible action thatcould be taken.

“We do not want to jump the gun without solid facts,” Jamil said, adding that there had been cases in the past where after investigation, it was discovered that the allegations were untrue.

Fatine, a 36-year-old make-up artist, married his British lover Ian Young in a civil ceremony, and is now embroiled in a legal wrangle after being told by UK authorities to return to Malaysia following the rejection of his Leave to Remain visa in Britain over an “incorrect” photograph.

The couple has been living in Spondon, Derby, since December last year.

Fatine had twice applied for a visa to remain permanently in England but has been turned down by British government officials. He has sent another application, this time appealing to stay under the Human Rights Act and the right to a family life.

In an exclusive interview with The Malay Mail on Monday, Fatine said he

CONTROVERSY-RIDDLED: Authorities checking on Fatine's marriage status

would give up the opportunity to return to Malaysia so that he and Young could remain together.

“I will never leave Ian. Only death can tear us apart,” Fatine was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Jamil, commenting on the decision by the Selangor Religious Department to raise the mas kahwin (dowry) for Muslim marriages from RM80 to RM300 from Jan 1, said the power to set the rate is accorded to the relevant State religious authorities.

“Of course, there have been requests for us to standardise the rate. But really, I feel that the dowry matter isn’t a major problem. The actual issue with marriages is the cost of the wedding reception, the 12 costume changes during the reception and other frills.

“In fact, the mas kahwin is a duty of the husband, given to the wife to be kept as a memory.”

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