The AmBank Group has refuted NGO Jaringan Melayu Malaysia's claims that it supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Malaysia. On November 12, media such as the Malay Mail reported that JMM had accused AmBank of promoting LGBT rights and culture in Malaysia, a Muslim country where such rights and culture are not recognised.
AmBank Group clarified in a statement that the group "respects the shari'ah laws of Malaysia and as a responsible corporate citizen we adhere to the strict governance and guidelines of banking, insurance and takaful. We respect the sensitivities of the various communities with different religious beliefs and practices. This is in line with our value proposition of being Malaysia’s bank that understands the needs of the Malaysian community. AmBank Group are not involved in promoting or encouraging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) practices as reported in the media."
JMM claims that AmBank is promoting LGBT lifestyles partly because of MetLife's publicly-stated support of LGBT lifestyles in the US. AmBank noted that its joint venture partner MetLife is incorporated in the US and therefore governed by the laws of the US.
"Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, it is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Serving approximately 100 million customers with operations in nearly 50 countries, MetLife respects the local laws, traditions and culture of the markets it serves," the statement continued.
"AmBank Group particularly, AmMetLife Insurance Berhad and AmMetLife Takaful Berhad operate and are governed independently under the laws of Malaysia and are not endorsing any practice that breaches any laws, including shari'ah law."