Deputy Minister Urges Alternative Term to ‘LGBT’, Highlights Role of Language in Shaping Online Exposure
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — The government has proposed using the term “deviant culture” instead of LGBT in public discourse, with Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli stressing that language choices can influence both public perception and digital content visibility.
She said the recommendation is based on concerns that frequent use of certain terms can trigger algorithms on social media platforms, resulting in increased exposure to related material.
According to Marhamah, digital platforms are designed to respond to keywords used by users, meaning repeated references to specific topics can lead to more of the same content being suggested automatically.
This process, she explained, could unintentionally amplify the visibility of such topics and contribute to a sense of normalisation over time.
Marhamah made the remarks in response to a question from Senator Hussin Ismail during a Dewan Negara session, where he asked about enforcement efforts concerning private events associated with controversial themes.
One example discussed was the ‘Glamping with Pride’ programme, which had previously drawn attention online.
She confirmed that the event did not proceed after Selangor authorities determined that the organisers had not received official approval.
Marhamah said the development demonstrated that existing regulatory mechanisms are functioning to ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements.
Beyond physical events, the deputy minister highlighted the importance of monitoring online spaces, where discussions and content can spread rapidly.
She said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), through its research unit, plays a key role in observing online trends and identifying potentially problematic content.
The unit collaborates closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which has the authority to take enforcement action, including requesting the removal of content that breaches legal or regulatory standards.
Marhamah emphasised that consistent terminology is an important part of maintaining clarity in public communication and reinforcing official positions on sensitive issues.
She added that education and outreach efforts remain essential to help the public understand the broader context of such matters, especially in an era where digital platforms can shape opinions and narratives quickly.
The deputy minister expressed hope that these combined measures would help maintain social harmony while ensuring responsible use of language and technology.
-wilayah.com.my
