Minister insists govt rejects LGBTQ+, tells critics 'don't just read titles'

 

PARLIAMENT | Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan has reiterated the government’s objection to “normalising” alleged “deviant culture” in reference to the LGBTQ+.

In his winding-up speech on the royal address, the minister also responded to criticisms of his previous remark that workplace stress could lead a person to be categorised as LGBTQ+, while also pointing to low religious understanding as another contributing factor.

“I wish to stress here that we reject and will not compromise on any efforts to normalise deviant culture. Full stop,” said the minister, who urged critics to “not just read the titles” of articles that quoted his remarks.

He then quoted a verse from the Quran that stresses the importance of verifying information, adding that the move is necessary to avoid “spread of slander”.

In an interjection, Sany Hamzan (Harapan-Hulu Langat) named Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) as a purveyor of alleged slander against the government, claiming inaction on the “Glamping with Pride” event, which was eventually cancelled following public outcry.

Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan

“He (Jasin) claimed the government did not take any action on the ‘glamping’ activity, related to LGBTQ+! This is a slander against the government.

“The (religious affairs) minister should have taken action against Jasin for slander!” said Sany.

‘Quit shouting’

The minister, in response, reiterated his reminder to read up on the matter comprehensively, but Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik), in another interjection, told Sany to calm down.

“I would like to advise Hulu Langat to speak properly, do not shout, calm down,” said the PAS MP.

Sany, however, insisted that he has the right to raise his voice, so long as he is not reprimanded by the sitting speaker.

“In this house, we can scream, we can shout, but don’t create slander! All this while I have never done so!” he insisted.

Deputy speaker Alice Lau, who presided over the session, promptly urged Sany to sit down, but his voice could still be heard even after his microphone was turned off. - Mkini