KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has ordered an investigation into a planned LGBTQ-themed event that went viral on social media, with the government reiterating its firm opposition to pride culture in the country. Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, stated on May 28 that any attempt to normalise LGBTQ elements goes against Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, national laws, and official policies. The event, titled “Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness,” drew public attention online despite being a closed-door gathering.
In response, Mr Na’im instructed authorities, including the police, to take legal action if any laws were breached and called for the event to be immediately cancelled. He stressed that such programmes defy the social norms and religious values upheld by the majority of Malaysians and warned that religious agencies are prepared to act if Muslims are found to be involved. The minister urged organisers to cease any activities that contradict the nation’s moral framework and cultural sensitivities.
This development comes amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ expressions under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, which has taken measures such as confiscating rainbow-themed Swatch watches and cancelling a music festival following a same-sex kiss on stage. Mr Na’im concluded his statement by calling on all Malaysians to defend the country’s social and moral structure against influences that could undermine public faith, ethics, and societal harmony.