We'll empower Suhakam but know that LGBT culture unacceptable: Dr M

The Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today, agreed with the need to empower Suhakam by amending the Human Rights Commission Act 1999.

However, Mahathir simultaneously emphasised that the government cannot accept the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) culture in the country.

He reminded the commission that LGBT culture is not accepted in Malaysia, even though it is considered part of human rights in Western countries.

"While we agree with Suhakam's suggestions, we have to remind Suhakam that our value system is not the same as in the West. They are more free.

"In Malaysia, there are certain matters that we cannot accept, although they are considered as part of human rights in the Western countries.

"We cannot accept, for example, LGBT, and marriage between men and men, women and women," he said at a press conference in Putrajaya.

Mahathir added that the country's concept of family remains the same - a male-female couple with their own children or adopted children.

"But two men or two women are not considered as a family," he said.

- Mkini