The government has announced that references to “LGBT” in official communications will be discontinued and replaced with the term “deviant culture,” effective immediately, the Dewan Negara was informed today.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli said the decision aims to ensure consistent terminology and to prevent the perceived normalisation of such practices in public discourse. She emphasised that the government does not recognise such conduct under any circumstances and rejects any attempts to promote it.
Marhamah explained the move is partly intended to limit the visibility of LGBT-related content online. “If the term ‘LGBT’ becomes overused, social media algorithms may amplify related content, increasing exposure, particularly among young people who may become curious,” she said. The recommendation, she added, was made by the Minister and endorsed by the department to prevent wider digital propagation of what is considered deviant behaviour.
She highlighted several contributing factors, including family influence, peer pressure, and social media exposure, which the government believes lead to such practices. “Through detailed study of these factors, the government has developed specific initiatives, action plans, and outreach programmes to address the underlying causes,” Marhamah said.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), together with State Islamic Religious Departments and NGOs, has introduced guidance programmes under the “Hijrah Community” initiative for individuals involved in these practices. Since 2011, the Islamic Spiritual Guidance Camp has been held three times annually, reaching 2,708 participants by October 2025. Additional measures include academic scholarly discussions (multaqa’), Friday sermons, and mosque takmir programmes focusing on Islamic creed, individual religious obligations, health, and personal development. Some participants have shown positive behavioural changes.
Jakim has also engaged school and university students to raise early awareness on issues linked to these practices. Marhamah noted that the government will not recognise a third gender and submitted a report on the matter to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs and the Conference of Rulers in 2025.
“The government remains firm in its policy and enforcement stance, while prioritising educational, religious outreach, and guidance-based approaches carried out prudently and wisely,” she concluded.
