The recent postponement of an LGBTQ-related forum in Malaysia highlights the tightening grip of religious conservatism under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government, as public outcry and threats against organizers push for stricter codes on LGBTQ expression.
Growing Religious Conservatism Stifles LGBTQ Discourse in Malaysia
Growing Religious Conservatism Stifles LGBTQ Discourse in Malaysia
A planned LGBTQ-themed forum in Malaysia faces cancellation due to backlash from religious officials and public criticism.
In a significant blow to LGBTQ discourse in Malaysia, a forum titled “Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness” has been indefinitely postponed in response to a wave of online criticism and threats, epitomizing the rising influence of religious conservatism in the country. Scheduled for next month and organized by a youth wing of a lesser-known opposition party, the event sparked outrage after being publicized on social media, which led to an avalanche of hateful comments, including death threats directed at its organizers.
The backlash is seen as a move by the government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who, in an effort to maintain support among Malaysia's predominantly Muslim populace, has adopted a more hardline stance on LGBTQ matters. The emergence of the conservative Parti Islam SeMalaysia, the dominant party in the lower house, has contributed significantly to this shift, with members openly criticizing Anwar’s previous, more tolerant stances toward LGBTQ individuals.
In a 2023 interview, Anwar acknowledged the prevailing public sentiment surrounding LGBTQ issues, stating, “Muslims and non-Muslims alike, there is a consensus — they do not accept this,” while also advocating against harassment of the LGBTQ community. However, with increasing demands from the conservative Islamic party to uphold traditional Islamic values, the current political climate suggests a retreat from any semblance of tolerance.
On Wednesday, religious affairs minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar condemned the planned forum as a conduit for “deviant culture,” further entrenching the state’s opposition to LGBTQ visibility and rights. The pressures to conform to conservative expectations have never been higher, as the Malaysian government grapples with demands to align more closely with its Islamic identity amidst a backdrop of growing international scrutiny regarding human rights issues related to the LGBTQ community.
