PAS syura council vice-head Mahfodz Mohamed has disagreed with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim that laws against unnatural sex is ‘archaic’.

"I'm not sure why Anwar (Ibrahim, left) said such things (in an interview with the BBC in India). But it is not true that such laws are not relevant,” said Mahfodz in a New Straits Times (NST) report today.

NONEBBC had asked Anwar whether he was prepared to take ‘the idea of anti-discrimination as far as gay rights’ are concerned.

He had replied: "We will have to review some of our archaic laws. We Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia generally believe and committed to support the sanctity of marriage between men and women but we should not be seen to be punitive and consider the archaic law as relevant.”

The law referred to was most likely Section 377 of the Penal Code, that had been used against the PKR de facto leader in the recently concluded Sodomy II trial.

Section 377, a relic of British law, concerns “committing carnal intercouse against the order of nature”.

The PAS cleric differed, saying, “If the laws are repealed to accommodate homosexuality, it is downright unsuitable for our culture and lifestyle. And this is my stand based on Islam.

"What has been outlined (by Allah) since ancient times is the law of Islam must be adhered by Muslims," NST reported Mahfodz saying.

The government linked English daily added that Mahfodz said only heterosexuality and intercourse through marriage are recognised in Islam.

Perak mufti: Oppose homosexuality

In another report by the same daily, Perak mufti Harusani Zakaria said he deplored statements by Muslims that support homosexuality.

azlan“We cannot support or allow homosexuality because it is the same as allowing adultery.

"Muslims must oppose homosexuality regardless of its form. Don't forsake your religion just to garner support,” the influential cleric said.

Meanwhile the daily also reported Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim claiming that Anwar is now viewed negatively in the world.

Rais parroted The Economist that commented that Anwar's image has been tarnished and, at times, the 64-year-old is deemed a distant and untrustworthy figure to young Malaysians.

“The Economist comment is objective as they have no doubt followed Anwar's work and history for a very long time, thus it came as no surprise that their previous ‘positive outlook’ on Anwar has turned negative,” NST quoted the minister saying.


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