Malaysian Minister Claims 'Work Stress Leads to LGBT Involvement', Sparks Controversy

Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, the minister for Religious Affairs in the Prime Minister's Department, made controversial remarks in a written parliamentary response, linking work stress, social influence, and religious practice to what he termed "LGBT-related behaviour". In response to a question from opposition lawmaker Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff of the Islamist PAS party, Zulkifli stated that "societal influence, sexual experiences, work stress, and other personal factors" could be potential causes of LGBT involvement. The comments were part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into LGBT trends in Malaysia, during which Zulkifli also revealed that authorities had recorded 135 cases involving arrests or prosecutions related to LGBT activities between 2022 and 2025. In Malaysia, where same-sex relations remain illegal, the minister's remarks have reignited debate about official attitudes towards sexual minorities, drawing mockery and criticism from public rights groups.