Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), has sparked widespread controversy following remarks linking work-related stress and social factors to what he described as LGBT lifestyles in the country, the local media reported.
In a written parliamentary reply, Zulkifli cited a 2017 study by Sulaiman et al., saying several elements may influence an individual’s involvement in LGBT-related behaviour.
These included social influences, sexual experiences, work-related stress and other personal circumstances.
“The study emphasised that a combination of these elements may contribute to the development of LGBT-related behaviour,” he said in the reply.
Zulkifli was responding to a question from Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN–Rantau Panjang), who asked for updated data and statistics on trends related to LGBT issues in Malaysia.
She sought details such as a percentage breakdown by age group and ethnic composition, as well as the key factors contributing to an increase in cases.
However, the minister acknowledged that the government does not have official statistics on the size of the LGBT population in Malaysia.
“Comprehensive data on the number of LGBT people in Malaysia remains limited,” he said.
Reports of the minister’s remarks quickly drew criticism online, with many questioning the framing of LGBT identity as something caused by stress or social pressures.
The comments, widely circulated through local media outlets, triggered backlash from social media users and advocacy groups.
Following the uproar, Zulkifli urged the public to read his parliamentary response in full, arguing that his remarks had been taken out of context.
He called for “tabayyun” — verification — before forming judgments based on partial reporting.
“I invite everyone, including members of parliament and the public, to honestly refer to and examine the full written answer provided in Parliament,” he said in a statement issued following the backlash.
Zulkifli also reiterated the government’s stance on the issue, saying: “The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) rejects the normalisation of LGBT as it contradicts religion, morals, and social values”.
The controversy has renewed public debate over how LGBT issues are addressed in Malaysia, particularly when discussed through the lens of religion and morality.
Critics argue that such statements risk reinforcing stigma, while supporters view them as consistent with Malaysia’s conservative social framework.
The minister’s remarks, followed by his clarification, have placed the government’s approach to LGBT-related discussions under sharper public scrutiny, especially given the absence of comprehensive official data on the community.
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