Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has slammed quarters who accused him of being publicity hungry by proposing that Umno debate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issue at its upcoming general assembly.

He said that Umno assembly is a platform to discuss all issues, including the LGBT matter from the religious perspective.

“If Umno general assembly cannot discuss religious matters, then what can it discuss?” he was quoted as asking by Bernama.

Khairy was earlier reported as proposing that the issue of transgenders be discussed at the assembly.

He said that this follows concerns by the youth movement, as well as society’s need to know the party’s stand on the matter.

Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief had earlier also ticked off Malay NGO Jaringan Melayu Malaysia for accusing Ambank of colluding with an American insurer to spread LGBT lifestyles.

Calling JMM "stupid", the minister said that if this is the case, one should also boycott Apple products since the technology giant's CEO is openly gay.