KUALA LUMPUR – PAS lawmaker Jamaludin Yahya (Pasir Salak-PN) has suggested the government consider LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people as having mental health problems.
Jamaludin said this during the Dewan Rakyat’s debate on proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act as part of decriminalising suicide. The Pasir Salak MP had interjected when PAS lawmaker Dr Halimah Ali (Kapar-PN) was speaking.
“Kapar (Dr Halimah), do you agree with my suggestion that the LGBT community should be categorised as having mental health issues?” an apparently jovial Jamaludin said.
In response, Dr Halimah agreed with Jamaludin’s suggestion and said it should be included as part of her debate. She then continued with her speech, urging all ministries to do their part in holistically overcoming issues faced by those enduring mental disorders.
“Normal people who are happy will never consider hurting themselves, much less think about committing suicide,” she said, referencing how mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are closely linked with cases of attempted suicide.
Dr Halimah, a trained medical doctor, is the same MP who stirred outcry with her remarks that food served in the government’s Menu Rahmah programme could cause autism and cancer.
PKR’s Chiew Choon Man (Miri-PH) then delivered a stern rebuke to the duo, saying MPs should be more respectful of individuals both inside and outside the House.
“Mental health issues should not be used as a tool to make fun of or reveal the indiscretions of any party. It is a matter that should be handled seriously and professionally by all stakeholders.
“It is inappropriate to assert that any group has mental problems without any medical basis or professional insight.
“I would like to reject the statement made by Pasir Salak (Jamaludin) when he interrupted Kampar’s (Dr Halimah) debate to suggest that LGBT people be considered mentally ill,” Chiew said.
In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, it was announced that the government had formed a special committee to handle matters and issues involving LGBT Muslims in Malaysia.
Yesterday, it was also reported that Home Ministry enforcement officers had raided various Swatch outlets nationwide and confiscated the brand’s collection of Pride-themed watches. – The Vibes, May 23, 2023
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