THE Islamic authorities and Internet regulator Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are working together to monitor LGBT issues, as well as liberalism among Muslims, on social media, said Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs said the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and MCMC are responsible for monitoring such online content.

“In efforts to curb LGBT issues, as well as liberal Islam, on social media, Jakim is working with MCMC to monitor any issues that may arise,” he said in a written parliamentary reply, dated August 6.

He was replying to Parit MP Nizar Zakaria, from Umno, who asked how much effort was being put in by the government to curb LGBT issues.

He said since 2011, Jakim has held engagement programmes on Islamic teachings with the LGBT community.

“They attend the programmes on a voluntary basis. Jakim’s responsibility is to explain Islam to them.”

Mujahid was recently criticised over his order that portraits of Nisha Ayub, a transgender activist, and LGBT activist Pang Khee Teik be removed from a photography exhibition at the George Town Festival, which runs until next month.

It was reported that he said displaying the portraits amounted to promoting LGBT activism, which was not in line with the Pakatan Harapan government’s policies.

However, after a meeting with Nisha, Mujahid said the portraits could have been displayed without their captions, which described the duo as LGBT activists, and that he had feared retaliation against the community if the portraits were displayed publicly.

While he has been praised for meeting Nisha, he was also criticised by some quarters for appearing to endorse the LGBT lifestyle.

Mujahid previously said transgenders should be given help, such as in securing jobs, so that they would not have to resort to sex work.

In a statement today, he said there are different “categories” of gay and bisexual people, and counselling should be given to those wiling to change their ways.

On those who believe homosexuality is natural, and therefore, not wrong, he said more dialogue is needed so as to understand their view.

“Only after that can other approaches be considered.” – August 13, 2018.