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Malaysian Minister Faces Backlash Over Controversial LGBTQ Comments

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Malaysian minister) said in a parliamentary reply that work stress can lead to non-heterosexual orientations, drawing ridicule.
He said societal influences, sexual experiences, and personal factors drive what he termed "LGBT acts."
He cited a 2017 study to support his claims.
The remarks intensified scrutiny of Malaysia's LGBTQ community amid ongoing government interventions against what it labels as sexually deviant behavior.
Social media users mocked the assertions and questioned their validity.

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Story summary

Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Malaysian minister) said in a parliamentary reply that work stress can lead to non-heterosexual orientations, drawing ridicule.
He said societal influences, sexual experiences, and personal factors drive what he termed "LGBT acts."
He cited a 2017 study to support his claims.
The remarks intensified scrutiny of Malaysia's LGBTQ community amid ongoing government interventions against what it labels as sexually deviant behavior.
Social media users mocked the assertions and questioned their validity.