A deputy minister has urged Malaysians to adopt the term “deviant culture” when discussing the LGBT lifestyle, saying this approach can help prevent its normalisation and reduce the appearance of related content on social media platforms.
Marhamah Rosli, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), made the call while responding to a question in the Dewan Negara today.
Avoiding normalisation through language
Marhamah explained that frequent use of the term “LGBT” on social media triggers search algorithms to show more similar content.
“The more we reference the term ‘LGBT’ (on social media), the more related content will pop up,” she said, according to Bernama.
“We may be unintentionally promoting deviant culture.”
She suggested that switching to “deviant culture” would help curb indirect promotion of the lifestyle.
Response to concerns over private events
The deputy minister was replying to Senator Hussin Ismail, who had asked about government monitoring of closed-door events containing what he described as deviant elements.
Hussin cited the example of “Glamping with Pride”, a two-day retreat planned by the pro-LGBTQ advocacy group Jejaka in Hulu Selangor in January.
Jejaka cancelled the event after receiving explicit threats, including death threats, via social media. The group had promoted the programme as a private gathering focused on health, well-being and HIV awareness.
The event drew public criticism following the circulation of its poster online.
Police reports were lodged over the matter, and the Selangor ruler issued a directive against immoral activities or celebrations linked to the LGBT lifestyle in the state.
Ongoing monitoring of online content
Marhamah added that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) continuously monitors social media for content related to deviant culture and deviant teachings.
She said Jakim collaborates closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to report and request the removal of links or material that breach legal provisions and religious values.
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