Pak nyah

"Pak nyah" (IPA2|paʔ ɲa) is a Malay term for a female-to-male transsexual. "Pak nyah" is formed from the word "pak", meaning 'father', and 'nyah', meaning 'transition' (literally, 'to run from'). The term "mak nyah" is more common, referring to male-to-female transsexuals, and the hybrid term "mak-pak nyah" is used for all transsexuals. These terms are sometimes also used by and for cross-dressers. The terms "tomboy" and "abang" (meaning either 'husband' or 'elder brother') are sometimes used by pak nyah to refer to themselves. As casual male clothing is relatively unisex, pak nyah are less visible than mak nyah in society.

In 1983, the Malaysian Conference of Rulers ruled that sex-reassignment surgery should be forbidden to all except intersex people. Under Section 21 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, pak nyah can be charged for indecent behaviour for dressing as men. Such a charge usually results in a small fine of RM25–50. However, as the majority of pak nyah are Muslim, they can be further charged by a syariah court for offences against Islamic law, for which there is a fine of RM800–3,000. Police and religious officials can and do carry out raids in search of pak nyah and others considered guilty of 'sex crimes'.

See also

* Kathoey
* Hijra
* List of transgender-related topics