In Malaysia, the authorities have definitively settled on a course regarding the LGBTQ movement, announcing a ban on any pride events that, in their view, threaten the country’s “faith and moral values

Chas Pravdy - 29 May 2025 05:23

" This decision was driven not only by concerns over potential legal violations but also by worries about the possible destruction of the traditional social structure, which is controlled and maintained at the state level. According to an official government statement, any initiatives aimed at supporting the rights of the LGBTQ community directly contradict not only constitutional norms but also legislation and fundamental religious values that define Malaysia's civic policy. The government has already made a decision to prohibit future events on such topics. The country's Minister of Religious Affairs, Mohd Na’im Mohd Nor, who is part of the Prime Minister’s cabinet, has expressed a resolute stance on this issue. On Wednesday, May 28, he officially stated that any initiatives or meetings—whether covert or closed—that promote LGBTQ culture harm the worldview and moral foundations of Malaysian society. The minister emphasized that "any attempts to legalize or normalize this culture in the country contradict the Constitution, existing laws, and official state policies." The government has already instructed law enforcement agencies, including the police, to respond strictly to any violations related to the preparation and conduct of such events. Specifically, this refers to the preparation and holding of an event titled "Pride Care: Queer Stories and Sexual Health Awareness," which has been viewed as a potential source of discord and destabilization of social morals. In his speech, the minister underscored that even closed events of this nature contradict what is supported by the majority of Malaysians and have a negative impact on the country's social and religious norms. “I call on all responsible efforts to defend the social and moral values of our society from any attempts to spread ideologies that could lead to the destruction of faith, traditions, and harmony in the country,” Na’im Mohd Nor stated. The official cabinet has urged organizers of such events to immediately cease any activity that violates current laws and societal moral standards. At the same time, religious authorities have taken note of this situation and expressed readiness to implement "strict measures" against the participation of Muslims in such events, emphasizing that repressive actions will not be limited to legal measures alone but will also include spiritual and social initiatives. Religious circles have already stated that any support for the LGBTQ community, including participation in pride events, is unacceptable and unnatural, and is subject to condemnation from within Islamic tradition. Overall, the Malaysian government’s policy on this matter is strict and uncompromising. In recent years, the country has intensified its efforts to "strengthen faith and morality," and its policies in the fields of culture and public events are directly aimed at ideological education of the population and preventing any manifestations of tolerance toward non-traditional sexual orientations. Meanwhile, the international community has expressed concern over these decisions by Malaysian authorities, explaining this as an attempt to preserve a homogenous and conservative identity amid global trends regarding human rights and equality. However, in this country, such processes remain under strict state control and are considered impossible to legalize in the near future. Summarizing the situation, experts note that Malaysia’s policies toward the LGBTQ community remain extremely strict, and the resistance from the government and religious authorities raises fears of further escalation of discriminatory measures. The ideological narrative persists that any form of advocacy for LGBTQ rights is not only unnatural but also poses a threat to the integrity of Malaysian society and its spiritual values.

Source