Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, has drawn attention after commenting on factors that he said may contribute to involvement in an LGBTQ lifestyle. The remarks were made in a written parliamentary reply issued earlier this year.
The minister was responding to a question from lawmaker Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff. She had requested updated information on LGBTQ trends in Malaysia, including age groups, ethnic composition, and possible contributing factors.
In his response, Dr. Zulkifli referred to a 2017 study by Sulaiman et al. He said the research suggested that a combination of work-related stress, social influences, sexual experiences, and a lack of religious practice could contribute to the development of LGBT-related behaviour.
The minister also stated that the Malaysian government does not maintain official statistics on the country’s LGBTQ population. As a result, he said there is no official national database covering the demographic details requested in Parliament.
His comments quickly attracted attention on social media. Users from different backgrounds shared mixed reactions to the minister’s remarks. Some supported his views, while others strongly disagreed with the statements and their interpretation of the research.
Several international medical and mental health organizations have published positions on sexual orientation. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) state that sexual orientation is a natural part of human diversity and is not considered a disorder.
The discussion has also highlighted differences in public attitudes across regions. Same-sex relationships have legal recognition and broader social acceptance in many Western countries. However, views and legal frameworks differ significantly across several Asian countries, including Malaysia.
The parliamentary response has renewed public discussion about how governments address issues related to LGBTQ communities, public policy, and social values. It has also raised questions about the use of research findings in public statements and policy discussions.
The Malaysian government has not announced any new policy changes following the minister’s remarks. The discussion remains focused on the parliamentary reply and the reactions it generated online.
The issue continues to receive attention because it involves public policy, religious perspectives, and international medical viewpoints. As debate continues, the comments have become part of a wider conversation about social issues, research, and public discourse in Malaysia.
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The statements reflect the minister’s response to a parliamentary question, while reactions from experts and the public demonstrate the range of views surrounding LGBTQ issues both within Malaysia and internationally.
