Swatch Malaysia has filed a High Court complaint challenging the government’s seizure of 172 timepieces, including the Pride Collection.
On the 13th and 15th of May, officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs seized these watches from multiple Swatch boutiques.
Following information from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Swatch became aware that the Rainbow Watches featured components advocating the LGBTQ community, including homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, and non-heterosexuality.
Swatch claims in its judicial review case that the seizure of the watches was illegal since, under the Printing and Presses Act, these watches are not defined as a type of “publication.”
According to Swatch, the phrase “publication” under the Printing and Presses Act refers to documents, periodicals, books, or other printed media.
“These watches have not been defined as prohibited publications, therefore, the officials had no authority to enter Swatch Malaysia’s stores and seize them.”
According to Swatch, some of the 172 seized watches have been on the market in Malaysia for more than a year.
“No prior notice was given to Swatch Malaysia by officials regarding any complaints related to these watches.”
Swatch also claims that its lawyers submitted a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs last month requesting that the watches be returned, but the government has yet to comply.
“The applicant further asserts that the government’s actions were politically motivated, given the upcoming state elections.”
“The Minister is attempting to display his ‘Islamic’ credentials for political purposes.”
Swatch is seeking a court order to compel the Ministry of Home Affairs to return the 172 watches as part of the legal procedures.
Swatch is also seeking compensation for the RM 64,795 loss it suffered during the judge’s seizure of the watches.
On July 20, Judge Amaji Xing will hear the judicial review.
