KUALA LUMPUR — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called out the government for using toxic language and harmful labels on sexual minorities by calling them “deviant”, instead of using recognised terms such as LGBTQ+.
Suhakam in a statement today, said labelling people with different identities and orientations as “deviant cults”, and stating that sexual orientation was caused by workplace stress, were “unfounded and scientifically unsubstantiated claims”.
“Suhakam considers such statements to be inappropriate, misleading and unethical.
“The propagation of harmful stereotypes and misinformation risks deepening prejudice that incites stigma and endangers the safety of citizens,” it added.
The commission cited Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan who attributed diverse sexual orientations to factors such as work stress, societal influence and a lack of religious observance.
And earlier this week, Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Marhamah Rosli told the Dewan Rakyat the government would stop using the term “LGBTQ+” and replace it with “deviant culture” to prevent the normalisation of their identity.
Suhakam criticised the use of “toxic language” by those in positions of power, noting that Parliament should serve as a space for respectful, evidence-based debates.
“Parliament must remain a forum of principled debate, guided by respect for human dignity and constitutional values,” the commission said.
The rights body also reminded the government that the Federal Constitution, specifically Article 8, mandates that all citizens be treated with dignity and protected from discrimination.
Suhakam said it is open to conducting capacity-building initiatives for MPs on human rights principles to ensure a more informed and responsible lawmaking institution, where legislative discussions align with universal human rights standards and constitutional obligations. – February 28, 2026