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Malaysia won't approve films promoting LGBTQ, says home minister [NSTTV]

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has never ratified any LGBTQ-related international conventions.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Malaysia did not recognise the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer lifestyle.

"Any film promoting the lifestyle will not be approved for screening in Malaysia.

"Similarly, films depicting communism, Islamophobia and values contrary to the Islamic faith will also not be allowed," he said during a briefing session on empowering the Film Censorship Board (LPF) at the Dewan Rakyat.

"The LPF is open to providing advisory services on films.

"On one hand, people say the LPF is too rigid, like a pair of sharp scissors that limit the creativity of filmmakers.

"But on the other hand, the LPF must defend good values.

"Nonetheless, rest assured that the LPF guarantees a flexible approach to encourage the film industry."

Later, Pasir Mas member of parliament Ahmad Fadhli Shaari asked Saifuddin if the censorship board could censor films on streaming platforms or over-the-top services that have LGBTQ or Islamophobic elements.

Saifuddin said: "The censorship of content on streaming platforms falls under the Communications (and Multimedia) Act due to the internet element.

"We are ready to talk to the Communications Ministry if there is a need to move in that direction."

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