KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's ban on publication of content related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus (LGBTQ+), such as the recent action on LQBTQ+ Swatch watches, should not be constituted as harassment against the group, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the government has to respect the consensus of the people.
Speaking to journalist Christiane Amanpour during an interview segment on CNN aired today, the prime minister was asked on the government's stand on the issue.
Anwar said that as prime minister, he has to respect the consensus of Malaysians and that they do not accept public displays of LGBTQ+.
"The Muslims, non -Muslims, Christians, Hindus or Buddhists, they have a consensus in the country. They do not accept this (LGBTQ+).," he said.
However, he said while there is a need to exercise some degree of tolerance, harassment has to be avoided.
"The consensus of the people I have to respect. However, this should not be seen as harassment."
In May, the Home Ministry raided 11 Swatch boutiques and confiscated collections featuring rainbow themes that are often associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
In August, the ministry 29 issued an order banning the sale of such watches. The ministry said the ban covers the publication of any collection including boxes, wrappers, accessories or any other related items.
It said the publications were subjected to a ban because they were detrimental to promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement which is not accepted by the general public in this country.
Amanpour also asked Anwar on the word 'sodomy' that was falsely labeled to him, and that abuse of that nature has to be something he is sensitive of.
Anwar replied in the affirmative.
"I've made it quite clear (that) we need to review and look at the law. It (the law) should not be abused. It should not used, as it was in my case, for political persecution.
"(Nonetheless), we have to respect the general sentiment of Malaysians."
To a question whether Malaysians in a way accepted the don't-ask-don't-tell policy, the prime minister replied: "Not necessarily.
"But, I think we should exercise some tolerance. The issue against the LGBTQ+ is the harassment that we have to avoid."