Deputy-inspector general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has declared a blanket ban on all events related to the 'Seksualiti Merdeka' festival which is scheduled to run till Nov 13. The annual festival has been held annually in Kuala Lumpur since 2008 with minimal problems or negative press.
Malaysiakini, an independent news website, reported Khalid as saying that the police will clamp down on the programme should it go on.
He told a press conference today: "The police is responsible to maintain public order. When there is a threat to public order, then we must take the appropriate action."
Earlier this week, the festival was slammed by Islamic Party PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan Tantawi who accused the movement of fighting an “immoral” battle and urged the cancellation of the related events.
The Star newspaper quoted him as saying in a statement: "The gay and lesbian culture is a deviated culture and should not be fought for or practised by any human being, especially Muslims."
The festival has been roundly opposed by Perkasa – a non-governmental Malay Supremacist organisation – and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council.
When asked to comment, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin described the festival as a "deviationist" activity that goes against the tradition, culture and religion practised by the various communities in the country, reported the state-run news agency Bernama.
"That's why to me, it (the programme) is totally unsuitable and I don't know its benefits. I don't understand why they carry out such promotions, is there any political agenda behind it? But for Malaysians, they certainly have their own evaluation.
"But to me, any activity that does not benefit the majority of Malaysians should not be carried out. It's a waste of time, although they can say it's their own right and freedom," he said.
Pang Khee Teik, co-founder of Seksualiti Merdeka, said it was illogical to promote homosexuality because “you are either gay, or you are not”, and that the objective of the festival is to promote understanding for the marginalised and misunderstood community.
"We still have rights as human beings and, honestly, I genuinely believe that we are not doing anything wrong. We are not hurting anyone," he said.
"It is not promoting homosexuality, but a promotion of people who understand sexuality and those who accept themselves."
On Thursday, Pang wrote on the Seksualiti Merdeka website:
WE CAN BE GAY BUT NOT OPENLY?
It's true, nobody needs to be openly gay. But while so many Malaysian LGBTs young and old are being bullied, kicked out from homes, forced to drop out from schools, fired from jobs, abused by families, blackmailed, forced to be who we are not, to live a lie, arrested for being who we are, beaten up, driven to depression and suicide, KEEPING QUIET IS NOT AN OPTION.
ASKING US TO KEEP QUIET IS ASKING US TO TAKE YOUR ABUSE WITH A SMILE. No, we will not take it anymore. Our moral decay began when we turned a blind eye in the face of injustice, when we mute our voices to abuses around us. That is why some of us choose to be open. Because it's time to put a stop to all the hate and misunderstanding and abuse. It's time for Seksualiti Merdeka.
Other NGOs and groups have voiced their support including The Malaysian Bar and Sisters in Islam (SIS).
SIS said in a statement on Nov 1: "As a Muslim women’s organisation, we agree with Datuk Ibrahim that many Muslims are opposed to affirming sexual diversity or granting rights to sexual minorities. However, we are also aware that there are many Muslims who engage in events such as Seksualiti Merdeka in order to gain a better understanding of gender and sexuality in society. This dialogue, especially on thorny issues, is important for all Malaysians in our quest to understand how to manage diversity and disagreement in civil ways. As Allah says in the holy Quran: 'Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom (hikmah) and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best.' (Surah An-Nahl 16:125)
"Furthermore, the reality is that sexual minorities in Malaysia, especially Muslims, are vulnerable to numerous abuses by state and community actors which often threaten their very lives. Surely there must be a more humane way forward even among Muslims such as Datuk Ibrahim who are opposed to inclusive sexuality rights."
The Malaysian Bar said it is "proud once again to support the annual Seksualiti Merdeka series of events, with this year’s theme of 'Queer Without Fear'. We recognise the LGBT community in Malaysia as one facing persecution on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. No doubt there are those amongst us who do not agree with the sexual orientations and gender identities of the LGBT community’s members. But it is precisely because of this that sexual minorities, and indeed other minority communities, need to be protected. Individual freedoms and liberties mean very little if they are only extended selectively, or to those who agree with the majority view."
The organisers cannot be contacted at press time. More updates to follow. Click onto seksualitimerdeka.org for updates and statements of support from Malaysian NGOs and groups.