Latest news with #societalnorms
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Religious affairs minister says even closed-door LGBTQ-friendly events ‘against societal norms', urges cops to probe and act
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — The government rejects all attempts to normalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) culture, whether implicitly or openly, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said that as a country which upholds Islam as the religion of the federation and adheres to noble Eastern cultural values, any attempt to normalise such deviant lifestyles is contrary to the Federal Constitution, existing laws and official government policy. 'I view seriously the reports regarding the organisation of a programme themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness', which was allegedly aimed at celebrating Pride Month, as circulated on social media recently. 'The organisation of such programmes, even if held behind closed doors, clearly challenges societal norms and religious values upheld by the majority of Malaysians,' he said in a statement last night. In this regard, Mohd Na'im urged the authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police, to immediately investigate the programme and take appropriate action should there be any breach of the law. He further called on the organisers to immediately cease all activities that contravene the law and moral values of society. 'Religious agencies, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the state Islamic departments, are also urged to be ready to play their enforcement role, particularly if Muslims are involved,' he said. At the same time, Mohd Na'im called on all parties to work together to safeguard the social and moral fabric of the nation from any elements that may harm the faith, morality, and harmony. 'The Madani government will continue to uphold the principles of 'maqasid syariah' in national governance to preserve religion, morality, and dignity,' he said, while stressing that a deviant culture will never become the norm in Malaysia. — Bernama
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Bangladeshi film 'Ali', written and produced by 3 Filipinos, shines at Cannes
In a coastal town, women are not allowed to sing. A teenager joins a singing competition for a chance to move to the city, while hiding his true voice in a sinister way. This is the story of Ali. In a major achievement for South Asian and Southeast Asian cinema, Ali, a short film directed by Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajeev, received a special mention in the Short Film Palme d'Or category at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This historic recognition marks the first time a Bangladeshi short film has been honoured in competition at Cannes, and it was written and produced by three talented Filipinos. The 15-minute Bangladeshi-Philippine co-production tells the story of a teenage boy in a conservative coastal town. In defiance, he enters a singing competition while concealing a personal secret that challenges societal norms. The emotional depth and narrative strength of Ali are rooted in its screenplay, co-written by Filipinos Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero. Adding to the creative muscle behind the project, Filipina producer Kristine De Leon played a pivotal role in bringing the film to life alongside Bangladeshi producer Tanveer Hossain. Director Adnan Al Rajeev, in an emotional statement on social media, described it as a dream come true: "My name will be there, our name will be there, my country's name will be there. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps." Of nearly 4,800 submissions, Ali was among only 11 short films selected for the prestigious Short Film Competition at Cannes 2025. The official Cannes Film Festival platforms proudly shared news of its inclusion, an inspiring moment for the South Asian and Southeast Asian film communities. In recognition of Ali 's success, Bangladesh's Ministry of Cultural Affairs awarded the team an honorarium and acknowledged the film as a cultural landmark. Cultural advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqi noted that this proves Bangladeshi filmmakers, when supported and creatively partnered, can compete at the highest levels internationally.
