The planned forum on L.G.B.T.Q.-related themes in Malaysia has been indefinitely postponed following public backlash and criticism from a government official, highlighting the rising influence of religious conservatism in the country.
The event was organized by the youth wing of a small opposition party and aimed to address issues related to sexual health awareness within the L.G.B.T.Q. community. However, after efforts to promote the forum on social media led to a wave of online hostility, including death threats, the organizers decided to postpone the event for the safety of participants.
Malaysia's government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has recently adopted a more conservative stance, partly due to the growing influence of the conservative Islamist party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, which is now the largest party in the lower house of Parliament. This shift has increased pressure on the administration to align with more traditional Islamic values.
In a previous interview, Prime Minister Anwar acknowledged a general consensus among Malaysians against public displays of affection by gay individuals but emphasized the importance of not harassing them. Despite his earlier expressions of tolerance, the government’s religious affairs minister, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, labeled the planned forum as a promotion of "deviant culture."
Although homosexuality remains illegal in Malaysia, the organizers defended the forum's purpose, arguing that it was essential to address public health issues, such as the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The event was intended to provide a platform for discussion about the experiences of gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in Malaysia.
This incident is not isolated; previous L.G.B.T.Q.-themed events in Malaysia have faced scrutiny and restrictions. Notable instances include the denial of performance permits to artists based on their sexual orientation and the cancellation of events due to perceived violations of cultural norms. In 2023, a music festival was canceled following an onstage kiss between male bandmates, and the Home Ministry confiscated rainbow-themed merchandise, which was later deemed unlawful by a court ruling.