Malaysian Minister Faces Criticism Over Controversial LGBT Comments
Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs in Malaysia, has found himself at the center of a significant controversy following his recent parliamentary remarks. During a session in Parliament, Dr Hasan made statements that have drawn widespread criticism from social media users and human rights advocates alike.
Controversial Parliamentary Remarks
Responding to a question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff regarding updated data on LGBT trends in Malaysia, Dr Hasan presented what he described as factors that could lead individuals to adopt an LGBT lifestyle. According to reports from The Straits Times, the minister specifically mentioned work-related stress as one of several contributing factors.
Dr Hasan elaborated that these factors include social environment, sexual experiences, work-related stress, and other personal circumstances. He further suggested that insufficient religious practice could be another contributing element to what he termed as adopting an LGBT lifestyle.
Statistical Data Presented
During his parliamentary address, Dr Hasan provided specific data regarding LGBT-related cases in Malaysia. He informed the Parliament that from 2022 to 2025, authorities recorded a total of 135 cases related to LGBT activities, which included both arrests and prosecutions.
The minister's presentation of this statistical information alongside his comments about contributing factors has become the focal point of the current controversy.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
Following the parliamentary session, social media platforms erupted with criticism directed at Dr Hasan's statements. Numerous users expressed their disapproval of what they perceived as misinformation and harmful stereotyping.
One user commented, "He answered a question by quoting research which listed a few factors, including work. Enough with the propaganda." This sentiment reflected a broader skepticism about the validity of the minister's claims.
Another particularly pointed response came from a user who suggested, "Somebody in Parliament, please give this man more to do. Give him double, no triple the workload. Make him the very example of his own statement." This sarcastic remark highlighted the perceived irony in the minister's workplace stress argument.
A third user offered a more direct critique, stating, "If being too stressed from work makes you want to have sex with other guys, that says WAY more about you than it does about anyone else."
Human Rights Organizations Respond
The controversy has drawn responses from human rights organizations dedicated to LGBTQ rights. Justice for Sisters, a prominent human rights group, strongly condemned Dr Hasan's statements, labeling them as "misinformation" that could have harmful consequences.
Thilaga Sulathireh of Justice for Sisters explained to This Week in Asia that such misinformation reinforces dangerous assumptions. "This misinformation reinforces the assumption that LGBT people's sexual orientation and gender identity can be corrected, changed or are not real or as valid as cisgender heterosexual identities," Sulathireh stated.
The human rights advocate emphasized the natural diversity of human sexuality, adding, "The fact is diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics is completely natural and normal. This has been proven by medical and other bodies. The minister must retract and correct the misinformation."
Broader Implications and Reactions
The controversy surrounding Dr Hasan's comments highlights ongoing tensions in Malaysia regarding LGBTQ rights and representation. The minister's position in the Religious Affairs department adds another layer to the discussion, as religious perspectives often intersect with policy discussions about sexuality and gender identity in the country.
Critics argue that such statements from government officials can contribute to stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in Malaysia. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based discussions about human sexuality and the potential harm caused by misinformation from authoritative sources.
As the backlash continues to grow on social media platforms and among human rights organizations, pressure is mounting for Dr Hasan to address the concerns raised about his parliamentary remarks. The situation remains developing as various stakeholders continue to respond to what has become a significant public controversy in Malaysia.
