MP: Mujahid's statement on LGBT 'throws them out into the cold'

De facto Islamic Affairs Minister Muhajid Yusof Rawa's statement on the LGBT community is "damaging" and endangers the community, according to Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah.

"Unfortunately, our minister Mujahid said we don't recognise LGBT. This really throws them out into the cold.

"It brings fear and hatred towards the community without effort made to respect and understand their choices," she said in her keynote speech at a conference on hate speech and intolerance in Petaling Jaya.

Maria said this is especially so considering the murders of three transgender women over a few months earlier this year.

She was referring to Mujahid's remarks on the presence of LGBT rights activists at the Women's March.

“I am very shocked with the actions of certain parties... that misused democratic space in order to defend things that are wrong from the point of view of Islam," the minister had said.

In parliamentary debates, the government has been accused of being anti-Islam by allowing pro-LGBT messages during the rally.

Rise of intolerance

Maria said anti-LGBT statements are an example of a rise of intolerance and extremist views in Malaysia, which could encourage the prevalence of hate speech.

She stressed that there is now a need for Malaysia to define what constitutes hate speech, but this must be done with freedom of expression in mind.

She added that there is a tendency to censure against speech which is believed to be offensive, but this only perpetuates bigotry and prejudice.

"Finger-pointing, name-calling and vilifying controversial speakers and their supporters to me is futile.

"Not only does it antagonise potential allies in the fight for justice, but it also fails to acknowledge the reasons why controversial views exist in the first place, or to address any logical, moral or ethical problems inherent in them."

Such an approach is especially problematic when it comes to young people or those unfamiliar with the issues discussed, and often leads to confirmation bias, Maria said.

"Such strategies fail to educate or demonstrate the rigour of thinking that leads to certain ideological conclusions."

The lawmaker's speech comes in the midst of calls for greater legislation against hate speech in Malaysia, especially after the riots at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple last year.

Although the riot was related to a land dispute, social media discussions on the matter have been couched on racial lines following the death of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim at the scene.

Some, like Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, said the comments, which are often racist abuse against ethnic Indians, are hate speech and should be criminalised.

However, rights advocacy groups caution against overt legislation which could be abused to target marginalised groups or stifle dissent. - Mkini