Classify LGBT community as mentally ill people, says PAS MP

 

Jamaludin Yahya interrupts the speech of another MP to state his stand on the LGBT community. (Parliament pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS MP has proposed that the government classify members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community as people with mental health problems.

Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) made the proposal when interjecting Dr Halimah Ali’s (PN-Kapar) debate at the Dewan Rakyat about the proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act as part of decriminalising suicide.

“Kapar (Dr Halimah), do you agree with me? I want to propose that the LGBT community should also be categorised as having mental health issues,” he said.

Halimah, who is a doctor, said it should be included as part of her debate.

She then continued by stating that mental disorders are an important issue which require the attention of several ministries, adding that they should discuss how best to approach the matter.

Chiew Choon Man (PH-Miri) then told the two PAS MPs to be more respectful of individuals, adding that mental health issues should not be trivialised.

“Mental health is an issue that should be handled seriously and professionally,” said the PKR lawmaker.

“It is not appropriate to say that people have (mental) health problems without being medically diagnosed.” - FMT