NUMAN Afifi, the organiser of the highly criticised Pride Day breaking fast event last year, today announced that he will quit his post as press officer to Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

In a Facebook post today, Numan said he will temporarily assist the minister while a new press secretary is appointed.

“The backlash and threats from opposition propagandists have made it impossible for me to exercise my duties, therefore, I have decided not to work at the ministry in any official capacity.

“I will be going abroad in the near future to determine my next move,” Numan said.

Critics had said it was inappropriate for Numan, who they termed a “champion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) causes”, to be a government officer.

The backlash prompted civil society organisations and politicians to say that Numan’s personal life choices should not be made a basis for his appointment, and that the new Pakatan Harapan government should abide by its promises of reform and inclusiveness of all segments of society.

Numan said in his Facebook post this morning that he will continue to help Syed Saddiq, who he called a friend, as his interim press officer and that he had never been officially appointed to the post.

“I would like to bid my thanks to saudara Syed Saddiq for the opportunity and lessons taught during the entire election campaign and transitional phase in the ministry.

“It was an honour to be in service of him,” he said.

He said that Syed Saddiq had accepted his resignation and asked that the matter not be “dragged any further”.

“I am touched and very much appreciate the continuous support from the public, friends and family.

“Hopefully, we get to live as a community in Malaysia that cherishes diversity without prejudices,” he said. – July 9, 2018.