KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS lawmaker has been told to retract his statement claiming that there was a pro-LGBT march instead of a women's march held here last weekend.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul asked Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan) if he was sure that the march was a pro-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) gathering.
"Are you sure it was an LGBT march and organised by LGBT groups? "I just want to ask that – yes or no?" he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
Wan Razali replied, "they were together." Johari then asked for confirmation again on his remarks.
"If yes, and if I check and it is not, action will be taken against you. Is it a yes or no? Or are you unsure?" asked Johari again.
The PAS lawmaker then said he was unsure.
The Speaker said: "If you are unsure, please withdraw your statement," he said.
Wan Razali immediately retracted his statement.
The Kuantan MP had brought up the topic of a viral video which claimed an LGBT march was held in the city centre.
"Previously, the Prime Minister said that the country would never recognise LGBT groups. So why is there an LGBT march by supporters?" he asked.
"'It has nothing to do with the government," replied Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru).
Wan Razali also questioned the government's stance on the incident and measures taken to stop such a march.
Several government MPs stood up, asking Wan Razali to withdraw his statement.
Sim accused Wan Razali of trying to mislead others.
"The police are currently investigating it. The government never gave any permit. If they did, why would the police investigate it?" asked Sim.
Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) then accused Wan Razali of misleading the Dewan.
"It is actually a women's march, not LGBT. They were fighting for women's rights," he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Na'im Mokhtar has instructed the Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) to assist with a police probe on the Women's March 2023 which took place on Sunday (March 12).
