Swiss watch company Swatch has taken legal action against the Malaysian government for confiscating its ‘Pride’ collection of watches from its stores.
The lawsuit comes in response to Malaysian authorities seizing 172 watches from the brand’s LGBTQ-themed collection, which includes rainbow-colored designs, from shopping malls across the country. BBC,
The company has asked Malaysian authorities to return the watches, worth $14,000, and compensation for damages.
Homosexual activity is outlawed under both secular and religious laws in Malaysia, which has reportedly prompted the government to take action.
Such acts are punishable with imprisonment or corporal punishment. However, the Swiss watch brand has claimed in its lawsuit filed at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur last month that the watches do not pose any threat to public order, morality or legal limits.
According to, the matter is to be heard later this week BBCSwatch aims to highlight that watches simply represent a joyful and non-sexual expression of peace, love and inclusivity.
The company has claimed that its business reputation has been damaged due to the seizure and its “business and trading figures” have been adversely affected thereafter.
Swatch’s promotional campaign for the Pride-themed watches emphasizes their vibrant and meaningful nature, describing them as “a symbol of humanity that speaks for all genders and all races”.
The lawsuit named the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs and the government as defendants, while Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasusan Ismail has yet to publicly address the matter.
