Jakim has developed plan to tackle growing LGBT issues, says Minister

Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: A plan has been developed by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to address social problems in the Muslim community such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Idris Ahmad.

The Minister in charge of religious affairs said the implementation of the Islamic Social Action Plan (PTSI) 2019-2025 by Jakim also addresses other societal issues such as drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, abortion, divorce, homelessness, HIV/AIDS transmission, alcohol addiction, free sex, incest, juvenile crime and more.

Idris said the government takes the LGBT issue seriously and that it has become increasingly concerning as of late, adding that homosexuality is also illegal under both the Islamic syariah law and civil law.

“As a nation adhering to Islam as the religion of the Federation and one that holds onto moral values that are based on custom, culture and religion that have been long-practiced by the local society, LBGT goes against the grain of Malaysia’s faith, moral and culture," he said.

“Under Section 377 of the Penal Code, it is an offense for anyone to have carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” he said in a written reply in Parliament on Thursday (March 10).

This was in response to a question by Che Alias Hamid (PN-Kemaman), who asked the Prime Minister to state the government's plan to formulate a special policy to eradicate the spread of the LGBTQ culture, which he claimed is increasingly prevalent in the country.

He also said that the government had made its stance on the LGBT issue known on the global stage, with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisting in his statement on June 16, 2019 at Cambridge Union, United Kingdom, that Malaysia will not give in to any pressure to accept the LGBT practices.

Idris said Mahathir had also stressed that Malaysia should stand firm on moral values based on custom, culture and religion which has long been practiced among the local community.

“Therefore, the government hopes that social issues involving this LGBT group can be given attention by all parties including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the general public,” he said.

Idris added that the implementation of the PTSI by Jakim is also in line with the National Social Policy under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.