KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 -- Transgender rights group Justice for Sisters (JFS) lambasted minister Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad for giving Islamic authorities a "full licence" to arrest and "educate" the already persecuted gender minority.

In a statement, JFS said it is already observing concerns from the community over their personal security, safety and well-being, and the remark will have hampered the religious affairs minister's previous efforts in engaging with trans persons when he was a mufti.

"His statement will increase discrimination, violence and mistreatment of transgender women with impunity by enforcement officers of the Islamic Departments as well as members of the public.

"We are already observing questions and concerns over...