In a move highlighting the increasing influence of religious conservatism in Malaysia, a forum centered on L.G.B.T.Q. themes has been indefinitely postponed following a wave of online attacks and strong criticism from government officials. This event was expected to address important topics such as sexual health awareness within the LGBTQ community.
The decision to cancel the event came amidst a backdrop of growing conservatism under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration. The recent inclusion of the conservative Islamist party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, as the dominant force in Parliament has intensified the governmental stance against LGBTQ expressions, pushing the current administration to take a firmer position to maintain support within the country’s Muslim majority.
The planned forum, titled “Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness,” organized by a small opposition party's youth wing, was set to occur next month. However, its promotion on social media attracted widespread vitriol, including threats that urged police action against the organizers.
Echoing the sentiments of many within Malaysia's conservative community, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the government’s minister of religious affairs, condemned the forum as promoting “deviant culture.” This incident inevitably raises questions about freedom of expression and the future of LGBTQ rights in Malaysia, where a majority of citizens still harbor reservations towards public acceptance of LGBTQ identities and issues.
The decision to cancel the event came amidst a backdrop of growing conservatism under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration. The recent inclusion of the conservative Islamist party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, as the dominant force in Parliament has intensified the governmental stance against LGBTQ expressions, pushing the current administration to take a firmer position to maintain support within the country’s Muslim majority.
The planned forum, titled “Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness,” organized by a small opposition party's youth wing, was set to occur next month. However, its promotion on social media attracted widespread vitriol, including threats that urged police action against the organizers.
Echoing the sentiments of many within Malaysia's conservative community, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the government’s minister of religious affairs, condemned the forum as promoting “deviant culture.” This incident inevitably raises questions about freedom of expression and the future of LGBTQ rights in Malaysia, where a majority of citizens still harbor reservations towards public acceptance of LGBTQ identities and issues.
