PKR today defended de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim against accusations that he supports homosexuality, pointing out that he had actually called for a review of unIslamic laws on the issue.
"He was of the opinion that archaic laws which are not according to syariah principles and which oppress Malaysians, should be reviewed," said PKR religious bureau chief Ahmad Kassim.
Ahmad was referring to Anwar’s interview with BBC which has seen him being accused of supporting homosexuality.
The BBC had asked Anwar whether he was prepared to take ‘the idea of anti-discrimination as far as gay rights’ are concerned.He had replied: "We will have to review some of our archaic laws.
"We Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia generally believe and are committed to support the sanctity of marriage between men and women, but we should not be seen to be punitive and consider archaic laws as relevant.”
Based on the statement, Ahmad said, Anwar had expressed commitment to heterosexual marriage and reinforced Pakatan Rakyat’s stance that it would not legalise homosexuality.
"If we study Anwar’s answer, it was clear he did not mention any wish to legalise homosexuality in the country," the Kuala Kedah MP said.
Ahmad called on the public to refer to Anwar’s statement on their own and not rely on "propaganda by Umno-owned media".
"I also urge anyone against spinning (the issue) in the name of the Islamic struggle. Islam does not allow smearing," he added.
The interview, which was picked up by local dailies Utusan Malaysiaand Berita Harian, has provoked negative reaction from religious leaders against Anwar.
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