Inciting hatred of 'dirty' homosexuality is the point, says Terengganu exco member
State local government, housing and health exco Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the action was part of an effort to educate the people to stay away from things that go against religious values and societal norms.
"We really want the people to hate homosexual acts. We want them to consider it dirty, wrong and to be avoided.
"Signboards like this are part of an effort to brighten up the city's atmosphere with Islamic symbols," Sinar Harian quoted him as saying on Saturday (May 10).
Wan Sukairi was commenting on a report by a local news portal which questioned the existence of a prohibition sign related to homosexuality near Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
He added that the installation of the sign provides a constant reminder to the public, especially in areas that are popular with young people, including institutions of higher learning (IPT).
"We are targeting the IPT area because there are many young people there.
"This message is important so that they do not get caught up in negative things," he added.
Wan Shukri stressed that each local authority (PBT) in Terengganu can choose a different delivery style, but the purpose remains the same, which is to educate and prevent.
The move received criticism from several parties, including transgender activist Nisha Ayub, who described it as a form of institutionalised discrimination and a dangerous endorsement of hatred.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
S'wak Syariah dept to introduce new reforms, says Chief Judge
Awang Suhaili (third left) presents a token of appreciation to Nancy. MIRI (Aug 17): The Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department (JKSS) is rolling out a series of reforms to strengthen access to justice and support the welfare of Muslim families in the state. Syariah Chief Judge Datu Awang Suhaili Ledi said some of the reforms included reducing the time for failed 'sulh' cases in the Syariah Subordinate Court from 25 days to one day, and streamlining applications for 'wali hakim' (guardian judges) and divorce by mutual consent. He said these measures would improve the efficiency of Syariah judicial services while ensuring justice remains transparent, effective and responsive to community needs. Awang Suhaili added the reforms were consistent with the Sarawak Islamic Council's Action Plan 2021–2030 and the JKSS Transformation Plan, which emphasises public understanding of Islamic family law. 'Other measures are improvements to matrimonial case management and faster hearing processes. The judiciary has also established the Family Support Division and a new Monitoring Unit to ensure enforcement of court orders. 'This proactive approach ensures fathers do not neglect their responsibilities for children even after divorce, while building public confidence in the Syariah legal system,' he said when officiating the 'Wacana Khas Keluarga Islam Sarawak 2025' on Sunday. Themed 'Syariah as the Basis of a Prosperous Family', the programme was jointly organised by JKSS and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to raise public awareness of Islamic family law, provide guidance on marital issues, and strengthen community support systems for Muslim families in Sarawak. Also present was Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Awang Suhaili Ledi Muslim reforms Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Iraq starts work on IS mass grave thought to contain thousands
BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities have begun excavating the site of a mass grave believed to contain thousands of victims of the Islamic State (IS) group near Mosul city, the project's director told AFP on Sunday. The first phase, which was launched on August 10, includes surface-level excavation at the Khasfa site, director Ahmed al-Assadi said. An AFP correspondent visiting the site in northern Iraq on Sunday said the team unearthed human skulls buried in the sand. Khasfa is located near Mosul, where IS had established the capital of their self-declared 'caliphate' before being defeated in Iraq in late 2017. Assadi said that there were no precise figures for the numbers of victims buried there -- one of dozens of mass graves IS left behind in Iraq -- but a UN report from 2018 said Khasfa was likely the country's largest. Official estimates put the number of bodies buried at the site at at least 4,000, with the possibility of thousands more. The project director said the victims buried there include 'soldiers executed by IS', members of the Yazidi minority and residents of Mosul. Exhuming the bodies from Khasfa is particularly difficult, Assadi said, as underground sulphur water makes the earth very porous. The water may have also eroded the human remains, complicating DNA identification of victims, he added. Assadi said further studies will be required before his team can dig deeper and exhume bodies at the site -- a sinkhole about 150-metre (nearly 500-foot) deep and 110-metre wide. Iraqi authorities said it was the site of 'one of the worst massacres' committed by IS jihadists, executing 280 in a single day in 2016, many of them interior ministry employees. In a lightning advance that began in 2014, IS had seized large swathes Iraq and neighbouring Syria, enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic law and committing widespread abuses. The United Nations estimates the jihadists left behind more than 200 mass graves which might contain as many as 12,000 bodies. In addition to IS-era mass graves, Iraqi authorities continue to unearth such sites dating to the rule of Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion in 2003. - AFP
Barnama
a day ago
- Barnama
Yayasan Taqwa-MAIWP Channels RM50,000 To Upgrade Surau At-Taqwa In Janda Baik
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Yayasan Taqwa of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has channelled RM50,000 to upgrade Surau At-Taqwa in Kampung Chemperoh, Janda Baik, Pahang. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the assistance would be used for repair works at the surau for the villagers' benefit. 'I personally inspected the surau and took note of the needs that will be addressed with this fund. 'Hopefully, the upgrades will make the surau more comfortable and conducive, while upholding the syiar of Islam in this village,' he said in a statement today. Earlier, he presented a mock cheque to the surau management. Mohd Naim also visited Ma'ahad An-Noer, a centre for higher Islamic and Al-Quran studies founded by Syeikh Muhammad Nuruddin Marbu Al-Banjari Al-Makki. He said the ma'ahad played a key role in producing Islamic scholars and huffaz (Quran memorisers), who are valuable assets to the ummah. In support of this noble effort, Mohd Naim also approved immediate assistance of RM20,000 to help implement the educational programmes and activities planned by the ma'ahad. 'It is hoped that this contribution will strengthen the role of Ma'ahad An-Noer in educating the younger generation in religious knowledge, fostering appreciation of the Quran, and developing leadership based on Islamic values.
