Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing increasing pressure to clarify the government’s position on the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Malaysia following authorities’ confiscation of Pride products.
The urgency for clarification arises as multinational companies introduce products associated with lifestyles deemed taboo in Muslim-majority countries, including Malaysia, which is seeing increased rates of homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Recently, the home ministry conducted raids and confiscated rainbow-coloured watches from Swatch’s Pride collection. While many Muslims on social media supported these actions, questions were raised about how these products linked to the LGBTQ+ rights movement entered the country.
Syed Ahmad Israa’ Syed Ibrahim, CEO of the independent think tank Iris Institute, emphasized the need for Prime Minister Anwar to address the nation and outline measures to curb the spread of what he called “deviant beliefs.”
Syed Ahmad warned that if the government fails to address this issue correctly and if the LGBTQ+ ideology continues to spread in Malaysia, it could further erode support for the government, which is already facing criticism on various fronts, including the controversy surrounding the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Syed Ahmad urged the government to take a firm stance similar to Qatar, which took action against those openly supporting the LGBTQ+ rights movement during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He stated that most Malaysians view the LGBTQ+ ideology as deviant. If the government allows its proliferation, it will be seen as a disregard for preserving the country’s sovereignty and values.
Although DAP leader Nga Kor Ming expressed the government’s opposition to the so-called LGBTQ+ ideology in March, Syed Ahmad argued that as the Prime Minister, Anwar himself should address the issue, as statements from lower-ranking leaders may invite criticism, further adding that Anwar should step forward and explain why Malaysia, as an Islamic country, must reject the LGBTQ+ movement.
Former Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong also joined the conversation by urging the government to demonstrate fairness and consistency, pointing out the lack of action against LGBTQ+ related products marketed by technology giant Apple.
Wee highlighted that while Apple’s official website promotes the “Pride Edition Sport Band,” an Apple Watch accessory celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, something Wee says is a double standard within the administration.
In recent decades, the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia has faced increasing discrimination and persecution. There have been arrests, public humiliations, and violence targeting individuals perceived as LGBTQ+. Authorities have often justified their actions based on religious and cultural grounds, arguing that homosexuality contradicts Islamic teachings and societal norms.
