‘I ordered removal of activists’ portraits’

MINISTER IN the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa ( pix) yesterday said he had issued the instructions for the removal of portraits of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists from the George Town Festival.

Mujahid said the portraits of activists Nisha Ayub and Pang Khee Teik were removed from the month-long “Stripes and Strokes” exhibition as they promoted LGBT activities.

“I was informed of the exhibition that showcased their pictures in a public gallery.

“I have consistently repeated in Parliament that we do not support the promotion of LGBT culture in Malaysia,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Portraits of Nisha and Pang showed them holding the Jalur Gemilang.

Nisha is the first transgender woman to receive the International Women of Courage Award in 2016, while Pang is the cofounder of Seksualiti Merdeka.

In GEORGE TOWN, Women, Family, Gender Inclusiveness and Community Development Committee chairman Chong Eng said the removal of the posters was not patriotic as the portraits were only exhibits in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebration.

“The action was overzealous as the persons in the portrait were wearing decent outfits and were not lewd.” She was speaking to reporters at the Penang State Legislative Assembly building.

Chong Eng said although the festival was endorsed by the state government, the state had no say in how the exhibits were handled.

She, however, said no one should discriminate against people based on their sexuality and gender.

She stressed that sexual orientation should remain a private matter.