Mujahid: Stop distorting govt statements on LGBT
KUALA LUMPUR: All quarters are asked not to continue defaming and distorting government statements on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
In reiterating the government’s stand, he said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government never recognised the group and was looking for ways to rehabilitate them.
“The PH government has never recognised LGBT. It should be clear.
“Even though it became an issue when we assisted them, it was only to treat them and was among the programmes implemented by the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) for their rehabilitation.
“Many do not realise that 80 per cent of transgender groups are involved in the sex industry and this is disappointing, We approach the group so that they can get out of the industry. It does not matter if we provide them the means for them to be independent and so on,” he said at a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara here yesterday.
He was replying to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Husain Awang (Pas) who wanted to know the government’s stand on the issue.
Replying to question from Senator Dr Mohd Nor Monutty (PH) who wanted to know measures taken to alter public perception of the government concerning the LGBT issue, Mujahid said all parties should stop distorting government statements on the issue.
“Explanation (on the government’s stance over the LGBT issue) has been made clear. If the people don’t want to accept it, I am fine with that.
“It is better for us to proceed with the rehabilitation efforts in a positive manner.
“Over time, the discordant voices will disappear,” he added.