Mahathir backs ban on Seksualiti Merdeka
Aidila RazakPublished: Nov 4, 2011 7:31 PM | Updated: Nov 4, 2011 8:35 PM
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has declared support for the police ban on Seksualiti Merdeka, saying that "we do not need it".
'What will happen to us when people decide they will walk naked on the streets?' asks the former PM, who chuckles when asked for his view.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has declared support for the police ban on Seksualiti Merdeka, saying that "we do not need it".
"I think it should be banned. There must be a law... you have to have a standard to adhere to. You don't need this sexuality thing, we don't need it," he told reporters.
"We don't need men marrying men, women marrying women and blatant exhibitionists in this country."
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Chinese Economic Conference, Mahathir, who chuckled when asked to comment on the matter, said there were limits to freedom.
"What will happen to us when people decide they will walk naked on the streets? We can't stop them, that is their right.
"If people decide, as I've seen in some countries, to have sex in public, what will happen to us?" the octogenarian asked.
Seksualiti Merdeka, a festival for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community, was banned by police yesterday following an outcry from several quarters, particularly Muslim NGOs.
The Bar Council, Suaram and Sisters in Islam have expressed regret over the ban.
The event, to promote a better understanding of LGBT community in the country and for the people to respect their rights, has been held without problems since 2008.
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"I think it should be banned. There must be a law... you have to have a standard to adhere to. You don't need this sexuality thing, we don't need it," he told reporters.
"We don't need men marrying men, women marrying women and blatant exhibitionists in this country."
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Chinese Economic Conference, Mahathir, who chuckled when asked to comment on the matter, said there were limits to freedom."What will happen to us when people decide they will walk naked on the streets? We can't stop them, that is their right.
"If people decide, as I've seen in some countries, to have sex in public, what will happen to us?" the octogenarian asked.
Seksualiti Merdeka, a festival for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) community, was banned by police yesterday following an outcry from several quarters, particularly Muslim NGOs.
The Bar Council, Suaram and Sisters in Islam have expressed regret over the ban.
The event, to promote a better understanding of LGBT community in the country and for the people to respect their rights, has been held without problems since 2008.
Related stories
Perkasa calls for Ambiga's arrest under ISA
Minorities have rights, too, says Ambiga
Police move in to stop Seksualiti Merdeka forum
PAS distances itself from Ambiga over gay rights
Bishop takes nuanced stance on Seksualiti Merdeka
Four get leave to challenge law barring cross-dressing
Now, Bar Council building splashed with red paint
Anger against Lim deflected at Seksualiti Merdeka instead
Seksualiti Merdeka: A plea for calm and rationality
Selangor PAS: Don't deride the LGBT, help them
Seksualiti Merdeka row: Go after the real monsters
M'sia going down the 'V for Vendetta' road
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