Freedom of Expression
Reclaiming our spaces and fighting suppression of our voices.
Freedom of Expression
“Balik Pangkal Jalan” – The harm of conversion practices.
Freedom of Expression
Reclaiming our spaces and fighting suppression of our voices.
Against the backdrop of the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people and a restrictive environment for freedom of expression, LGBTIQ content faces increasing censorship.
In Malaysia, the right to freedom of expression faces increasing suppression, particularly for LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people. Against a backdrop of criminalisation and societal discrimination, censorship mechanisms have expanded, targeting a wide array of content and expressions.
This wave of censorship reflects the broader challenges faced by LGBTIQ and gender-diverse people in Malaysia, where state-led actions under the guise of vague laws perpetuate discrimination and stifle avenues for representation. These restrictions not only limit artistic and cultural expression but also erode spaces for open dialogue and acceptance.
The process of documenting and exposing these violations is essential to pushing back against exclusion and advocating for a Malaysia where everyone’s right to express themselves is respected.
Laws and Guidelines Used in the Censorship of LGBTQ Content and Expression
Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA)
Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) grants the Ministry of Home Affairs the authority to ban publications deemed “undesirable,” which includes materials that are considered harmful to public order, morality, or national interest. The broad and vague language of the law allows for wide discretion in its application, particularly against LGBTQ-related content.
From 2020 to 2024, the PPPA was invoked 11 times to ban LGBTQ-related books, including notable titles like Gay is OK! A Christian Perspective, Heartstopper Volume 2, and Aku, a local story about a gay couple. Other works such as What If It’s Us and Scattered Showers were also prohibited under claims of being “detrimental to public order, morals, and public interest.” Even Pride-themed Swatch watches were confiscated and banned for symbolising solidarity with LGBTQ rights.
Once a publication is banned under the PPPA, it is listed in the Government Gazette, making its sale, distribution, or possession illegal. This mechanism further institutionalises censorship.
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) is one of the most frequently used provisions to censor online LGBTQ content and suppress expressions of gender and sexual diversity in Malaysia. This section criminalises the use of network facilities or services to create, publish, or distribute content deemed “obscene,” “indecent,” “false,” or that causes “annoyance, abuse, or threats.” The law is sometimes invoked in cases where online content is seen as “insulting” to religion or other social norms. This includes posts that defend LGBTQ rights or challenge conservative interpretations of gender and sexuality. Similarly, online spaces are heavily monitored, with authorities blocking websites such as Grindr.
People who create or share LGBTQ-related content, especially on social media, have been prosecuted under this section. In 2022, high-profile figures like Datuk Vida and Datuk Aliff Syukri were fined or investigated for posting music videos featuring drag and gender-diverse performers on their social media platforms. In the same year, two YouTubers were arrested for so-called cross-dressing and posing for photos that were shared online.
Section 233’s vague language enables authorities to weaponise the law against dissenting voices, particularly those challenging the government’s discriminatory policies or promoting equality.
Film Censorship Board Guidelines
The Film Censorship Board (LPF) enforces stringent guidelines that explicitly restrict the depiction of LGBTQ themes and gender-diverse characters in films. The LPF’s Guidelines specifically ban scenes that depict “homosexual and unnatural sex scenes”, show “provocative embraces” between people of the same gender, or portray transgender behaviour, lifestyles, or gender-nonconforming characters – unless for comedic purposes or disguise aligned with the plot. Films with LGBTQ themes often face either outright bans or extreme editing. In some cases, international films have been edited to such an extent that their original storylines are disrupted. The guidelines extend to visual representations of support for LGBTQ rights, such as Pride flags and even costumes or props deemed as supportive of LGBTQ causes.
These censorship policies erase LGBTQ representation from mainstream media, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and denying audiences access to diverse narratives. By restricting authentic portrayals, the guidelines perpetuate stigma, limit public understanding of LGBTQ experiences, and contribute to the marginalisation of gender-diverse communities in Malaysia.
Guideline on Entertainment Activities in Higher Learning Institutions
The Guideline on Entertainment Activities in Higher Learning Institutions introduces stringent rules designed to suppress LGBTQ representation and gender diversity during performances and events held in universities and colleges.
The guideline prohibits performers from affiliating with or representing LGBTQ groups, bans symbols like Pride flags, and enforces rigid gender-conforming dress codes. Male performers are barred from wearing accessories such as earrings or bracelets, and cross-gender clothing is disallowed except for theatrical purposes. Performers’ movements and interactions are heavily regulated, including bans on physical contact and excessive dance movements. Audience segregation by gender is mandated, with mixed-gender areas and standing sections, including mosh pits, explicitly forbidden.
By enforcing rigid dress codes and banning symbols of inclusivity, the guidelines perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further marginalise LGBTQ students and allies.
Guidelines by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes
The Guidelines by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) impose discriminatory restrictions on performances in Malaysia, particularly targeting LGBTQ representation. Male foreign performers are explicitly prohibited from dressing in a way that resembles women. The guidelines also extend to the performance content, banning any symbols or messaging that support LGBTQ rights or promote non-conforming gender identities. These restrictions reflect a broader effort to suppress gender and sexual diversity in public performances and events.
By enforcing these rules, PUSPAL guidelines contribute to the erasure of LGBTQ representation in Malaysia’s entertainment industry, stifling artistic freedom and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. These guidelines limit the ability of foreign performers to authentically express themselves and prevent the inclusion of diverse narratives in Malaysia’s cultural and creative spaces.
Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) grants the Ministry of Home Affairs the authority to ban publications deemed “undesirable,” which includes materials that are considered harmful to public order, morality, or national interest. The broad and vague language of the law allows for wide discretion in its application, particularly against LGBTQ-related content.
From 2020 to 2024, the PPPA was invoked 11 times to ban LGBTQ-related books, including notable titles like Gay is OK! A Christian Perspective, Heartstopper Volume 2, and Aku, a local story about a gay couple. Other works such as What If It’s Us and Scattered Showers were also prohibited under claims of being “detrimental to public order, morals, and public interest.” Even Pride-themed Swatch watches were confiscated and banned for symbolising solidarity with LGBTQ rights.
Once a publication is banned under the PPPA, it is listed in the Government Gazette, making its sale, distribution, or possession illegal. This mechanism further institutionalises censorship.
Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) is one of the most frequently used provisions to censor online LGBTQ content and suppress expressions of gender and sexual diversity in Malaysia. This section criminalises the use of network facilities or services to create, publish, or distribute content deemed “obscene,” “indecent,” “false,” or that causes “annoyance, abuse, or threats.” The law is sometimes invoked in cases where online content is seen as “insulting” to religion or other social norms. This includes posts that defend LGBTQ rights or challenge conservative interpretations of gender and sexuality. Similarly, online spaces are heavily monitored, with authorities blocking websites such as Grindr.
People who create or share LGBTQ-related content, especially on social media, have been prosecuted under this section. In 2022, high-profile figures like Datuk Vida and Datuk Aliff Syukri were fined or investigated for posting music videos featuring drag and gender-diverse performers on their social media platforms. In the same year, two YouTubers were arrested for so-called cross-dressing and posing for photos that were shared online.
Section 233’s vague language enables authorities to weaponise the law against dissenting voices, particularly those challenging the government’s discriminatory policies or promoting equality.
The Film Censorship Board (LPF) enforces stringent guidelines that explicitly restrict the depiction of LGBTQ themes and gender-diverse characters in films. The LPF’s Guidelines specifically ban scenes that depict “homosexual and unnatural sex scenes”, show “provocative embraces” between people of the same gender, or portray transgender behaviour, lifestyles, or gender-nonconforming characters – unless for comedic purposes or disguise aligned with the plot. Films with LGBTQ themes often face either outright bans or extreme editing. In some cases, international films have been edited to such an extent that their original storylines are disrupted. The guidelines extend to visual representations of support for LGBTQ rights, such as Pride flags and even costumes or props deemed as supportive of LGBTQ causes.
These censorship policies erase LGBTQ representation from mainstream media, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and denying audiences access to diverse narratives. By restricting authentic portrayals, the guidelines perpetuate stigma, limit public understanding of LGBTQ experiences, and contribute to the marginalisation of gender-diverse communities in Malaysia.
The Guideline on Entertainment Activities in Higher Learning Institutions introduces stringent rules designed to suppress LGBTQ representation and gender diversity during performances and events held in universities and colleges.
The guideline prohibits performers from affiliating with or representing LGBTQ groups, bans symbols like Pride flags, and enforces rigid gender-conforming dress codes. Male performers are barred from wearing accessories such as earrings or bracelets, and cross-gender clothing is disallowed except for theatrical purposes. Performers’ movements and interactions are heavily regulated, including bans on physical contact and excessive dance movements. Audience segregation by gender is mandated, with mixed-gender areas and standing sections, including mosh pits, explicitly forbidden.
By enforcing rigid dress codes and banning symbols of inclusivity, the guidelines perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further marginalise LGBTQ students and allies.
The Guidelines by the Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) impose discriminatory restrictions on performances in Malaysia, particularly targeting LGBTQ representation. Male foreign performers are explicitly prohibited from dressing in a way that resembles women. The guidelines also extend to the performance content, banning any symbols or messaging that support LGBTQ rights or promote non-conforming gender identities. These restrictions reflect a broader effort to suppress gender and sexual diversity in public performances and events.
By enforcing these rules, PUSPAL guidelines contribute to the erasure of LGBTQ representation in Malaysia’s entertainment industry, stifling artistic freedom and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. These guidelines limit the ability of foreign performers to authentically express themselves and prevent the inclusion of diverse narratives in Malaysia’s cultural and creative spaces.