Religious affairs minister wants Pride event cancelled
Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar urged authorities, including the police, to investigate the event and take appropriate action if any laws are found to have been violated. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar has urged the organisers of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-themed event next month to cancel their plans and not proceed with the programme.
He was responding to reports of an event themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness', allegedly planned by the youth wing of a political party on June 21, which has gone viral on social media.
'The organisation of such a programme, even if held behind closed doors, clearly challenges societal norms and the religious values upheld by the majority,' he said in a statement.
Na'im urged authorities, including the police, to immediately investigate the event and take appropriate action if any laws are found to have been violated.
He also said the Islamic development department (Jakim) and state religious departments are ready to enforce regulations, particularly if the event involves Muslim participants.
'At the same time, I call on all parties to help defend our society's social and moral structure from any elements that could undermine our faith, ethics, and national harmony,' he said.
Na'im reiterated that the Madani government remains committed to upholding the Islamic principles in national governance to protect religion, morality, and human dignity.
'Deviant cultures will never be accepted as the norm in Malaysia,' he said.
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