Drag may no longer be a drag for KL

By Jonathan Kent BBC, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is considering changing its laws on transvestism to encourage what one politician has hailed as "healthy entertainment".

Cross-dressing is currently illegal in this Muslim-majority country.

Wearing women's clothes and acting like a woman in a public place are criminal offences for men and carry penalties of up to six months in jail.

Transvestites have long been a marginal group in what is a socially conservative country.

Proposals being studied by the Prime Minister's department could lead to transvestism being legalised.

Lee Chong Meng, of the Malaysian Chinese Association, one of the leading parties in government, says it is time to go further.

He believes transvestites should be positively encouraged to create a properly regulated entertainment sector.

He is pointing to cities like Bangkok and New York where drag shows are hugely popular.

Under a plan being considered by Kuala Lumpur's city authorities, designated areas would be set up where transvestite cafes, bistros and nightclubs could operate.

Mr Lee said proper regulation would help clean up parts of the city popular with transvestites but where violent crime is a problem.