Malaysia rejects LGBTQ culture, orders probe into pride event
Any effort to normalise LGBTQ is against the Federal Constitution, existing laws and official policy, said a minister. PHOTO: REUTERS
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia said it opposes LGBTQ culture in the country and has ordered an investigation into a coming pride event that went viral on social media.
Any effort to normalise LGBTQ is against the Federal Constitution, existing laws and official policy, said Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) in a statement late on May 28.
Mr Naim ordered authorities, including the police, to take appropriate action should there be a breach of any law in the planned programme with the theme 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness.'
'Organising a programme like this, even though closed, clearly challenges social norms and religious values that the majority of Malaysians adhere to,' he said.
He urged the organisers to immediately cease any activities that 'violated the nation's laws and society's moral values.'
Religious agencies were prepared to take authoritative action should Muslims be involved, he added.
Since taking power, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government has clamped down on pride culture in its bid to appease the country's Muslim majority.
The administration confiscated rainbow-themed watches from Swatch Group AG's stores and abruptly cancelled a music festival after two band members shared a same-sex kiss on stage.
'I urge all quarters to together defend our society's social and moral structures from any elements that can hurt the country's faith, morality and harmony,' Mr Naim said on May 28.
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