[an error occurred while processing this directive] BBC News
watch One-Minute World News Last Updated: Friday, 5 November,
2004, 09:46 GMT Transsexual debate in Malaysia By Jonathan Kent
BBC, Kuala Lumpur  Transsexuals in Malaysia have called for new
laws on gender identity after a judge ruled that those who have
undergone sex change operations were in a legal limbo.  In what
has been called a landmark ruling, the judge, V T Singham,
dismissed an application by a 33-year-old who wants to become
legally male after having had surgery.  The judge said only
parliament could approve such a change.  Wong Chiou Yoong went
to court seeking to be formally recognised as a man.  Born
female, Wong had a sex change operation two years ago and
produced evidence from two specialists saying that he was now a
functioning man.  However, Malaysia's National Registration
Department labels Wong a woman on the basis of his birth
certificate.  Judge V T Singham told the court that biological
characteristics are set at birth and tha