22 Mar – During a briefing session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Malaysia does not recognise the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer lifestyle. Nor has the government ratified any LGBTQ-related international conventions. As such, the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia (LPF) will not approve any such films that promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) lifestyle for screening in Malaysia.
"Similarly, films depicting communism, Islamophobia and values contrary to the Islamic faith will also not be allowed. But on the other hand, the LPF must defend good values," he added. The Minister assured that LPF guarantees a flexible approach to encourage the film industry and not stifle it. The Board is also open to providing advisory services on films to ensure that the guidelines are adhered to.