“THIS is a dangerous statement that shouldn’t have been mentioned by someone who calls himself a Religious Affairs Minister for it’ll encourage those who’re irrational to take drastic action which can jeopardise the safety and well-being of people who in their perception have gone against their faith, ethics and national harmony.”
Such is the question posed by Siti Kasim to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar in reaction to the latter’s statement that the government rejects all attempts to normalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) culture – whether implicitly or openly.
Alluding to the “tyranny of the majority” concept by British philosopher and political economist John Stuart Mill, the human rights activist and lawyer had earlier described as “irresponsible” Na’im’s call to “together safeguard the social and moral fabric of the nation from any elements that may harm the faith, morality and harmony”.
“They (people who listen to Na’im) may attack whoever is different from them not only from within the LGBTQ+ community but whoever is perceived to have a different belief system from theirs,” fumed Siti Kasim in her latest YouTube rant.
‘So, is Na’im prepared to shoulder responsibility for any untoward incidents stemming from his call?”
The Religious Affairs Minister had wanted the authorities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to immediately investigate the organisation of a programme themed “Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness” which is allegedly aimed at celebrating Pride Month as circulated on social media recently.
As a country which upholds Islam as the religion of the federation and adheres to noble Eastern cultural values, Na’im contended that any attempt to normalise such deviant lifestyles is contrary to the Federal Constitution, existing laws and official government policy.
Law not broken
On this note, Siti Kasim ticked off Na’im for having failed to understand that there are many Quranic verses which collectively encourage Muslims to appreciate, respect, love and care for “God’s many creations which include the LGBTQ+ community and those who are different from you”.
“This is what you should be preaching to Muslims in Malaysia that they shouldn’t inculcate hatred against people who are different from them,” asserted the Orang Asli advocate.
“In short, all humans should be treated with respect and dignity as well as be allowed to pursue a life free from fears of the unknown.”
She went on to challenge Na’im as to what he meant by “to normalise LGBTQ+ culture” and “deviant lifestyle”.
“My perception of ‘normalise’ maybe different from yours and vice-versa … Also, I consider a man who marries four wives but can ill-afford to look after his wives and kids as a ‘deviant lifestyle’,” she chided.
“To me, all those who are corrupt and ustaz who sodomise/rape pupils at tahfiz schools are immoral, abnormal and have deviated from societal norms but have we ever heard our Mr Na’im voiced his resentment against those individuals?”
At the end of the day Siti Kasim wanted to know which law has been breached by the LGBTQ+ community to warrant such drastic action as mooted by Na’im.
He seems keen to oppress and attack the LBGTQ+ community who doesn’t disturb anyone. If I may ask, what have they deviated from because your claims seem to be rooted to your own religious interpretation.
Unlike the tahfiz school pupils whose future have been ruined by people who are entrusted to look after them, who are victims of the LGBTQ+ community? What laws have they broken?
Is it an offence for them to discuss sexual health issues pertaining to their community or even to share challenges that they go through in their daily lives?
Moreover, the programme is to be held behind close-door to prevent people like you from attending.
Are you trying to suggest that every Malaysian must abide by the norms set by you who belong to the majority? Please keep in check your religious understanding rather than enforcing your beliefs onto others.
Even if the LGBTQ+ folks who are Muslims have sinned, this is a personal matter between them and God (each of us bear our own burden) but for those who are non-Muslims, Na’im has no right whatsoever to intervene in their lives. – May 30, 2025
