Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.

Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.


NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

When the Malaysian Civil Liberties Society (MCLS) was first mooted seven years ago, it was not about contesting the general elections. It was not about fielding candidates in the elections. In fact, it was not at all about politics. It was about promoting and propagating a civil society -- which can also mean a liberal society.

However, the MCLS did not take off. So, last year, we reactivated it in the form of MCLM. ‘Society’ became ‘Movement’, that is all.

But how prepared and how serious are Malaysians about living in a liberal society? Are we really liberal or do we talk only but still cringe at what we consider the ‘immoral’ lifestyle of the west?

Today (and yesterday), three events are being held in the UK -- in London, Liverpool and Manchester (see the links below).

I suppose the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Matthew Street Festival in Liverpool would not raise many eyebrows in Malaysia. But what about the Manchester Pride, a celebration of lesbian, bay, bisexual and transgender life? Are Malaysians liberalised enough to tolerate something like that?

We can choose to be liberal or we can remain conservative. And if we wish to remain conservative then it is maybe still too early for civil society movements like the MCLM.

See below the statements by the British Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. They are not asking the police to arrest and charge these people for sodomy. They openly support the Manchester Gay Pride festival.

Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Ed Miliband are not gay (at least we have not heard any rumours of them being so). But they respect your right to be gay or bisexual. They don’t judge you. They don’t moralise. They don’t ask the police to arrest you and charge you for any ‘crime against the order of nature’.

Today, we are seeing Anwar Ibrahim facing trial for what the government says is his immoral act of sodomy. Is Anwar gay or bisexual? There are some who believe he is. There are many who believe he is not.

But does it matter? We have Prime Ministers of other countries who are openly gay (you know which country I am talking about, right?). Do we find the performance of these Prime Ministers lacking just because they are gay?

Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well.

Someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, decided what is natural sex and what is unnatural sex. And, today, we have to live our lives by these ‘norms’ set by someone, somewhere, many, many years ago, who thought he or she knows best what we should and should not do.

The world has changed. Standards have changed. What may have been unnatural 100 years ago is very natural today.

You don’t have to be gay or bisexual. You don’t have to drink. You don’t have to do anything at all that you may consider as immoral or a violation of your religious beliefs. But who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?

As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern. And the days of people getting arrested for drinking beer or for having a gay relationship must end. This is what a civil society is all about. And this is what we should be fighting for.

So, is Anwar gay? Who the hell cares! What I do care is: is he a good Opposition Leader? What I do care is: will he make a good Prime Minister?

That is what we should worry about because the future of Malaysia depends on this and not on Anwar’s sexual preference.

Even if Anwar is not gay but he is a poor Opposition Leader and will make a bad Prime Minister, then we must reject him for those reasons and not because he does not meet our ‘sexual guidelines’.

****************************************

The Notting Hill Carnival http://www.thenottinghillcarnival.com/

Matthew Street Festival: http://www.mathewstreetfestival.org/

Manchester Pride: http://www.manchesterpride.com/

****************************************

Pride and Politics

Manchester Pride backed by the leaders of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties:

Message of Support from Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Manchester Pride on its 21st anniversary.

Over more than two decades, by celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life, Manchester Pride has supported LGBT individuals and organisations, and promoted equality and diversity. Manchester Pride is to be applauded for its work in raising awareness of the discrimination and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people and I would like to sincerely commend all those involved with Manchester Pride on reaching this very special milestone.

Message of Support from Prime Minister, David Cameron:

I would like to wish Manchester Pride a happy 21st birthday, I am sure that this years celebration with its ‘Best of British’ theme and mix of sports, arts, films and parties will be a great success. I also wanted to congratulate everyone who has been involved in growing Manchester Pride over the years; these events don't organise themselves and require a lot of hard work, but they play an important part in the cultural life of our country and you should be proud of what you've achieved.

Events such as Pride are not just about a fun day-out celebrating, they also send an important message and raise awareness of issues, they are a very visible reminder of the need to fight discrimination and support each other, which is why the vigil at the end of the Big Weekend in Sackville Gardens is such a moving tribute*.

The Pride celebrations here in Manchester have been particularly successful in raising money for LGBT and HIV charities across the region, since 2003 nearly £900,000 has been raised which is a terrific achievement.

So I hope you all have a great and safe time at Manchester Pride and it goes from strength to strength in the years ahead.

Message of Support from Labour Party Leader, Ed Miliband:

I want to convey my best wishes to everyone taking part in Manchester Pride. I enjoyed taking part in the parade last year and showing my support for equality. The popularity of event shows just how far we have come in recent years in the campaign for equality from tackling hate crimes through to civil partnerships.

I am proud of the progress we made towards LGBT equality over the last decade, but there is still more to do. The introduction of civil partnerships was one of the most significant changes that Labour brought in, but now it is right to look at extending marriage equality for those who want it. From the treatment of LGBT asylum seekers through to homophobic bullying, there is still a march of progress ahead and we are with you on it.

Comments (20).

written by ak_malaysia, August 31, 2011 16:55:22

Everyone knows UNMNO/BN are composed of a bunch of hypocrites, liars and prudes!

They will use Islam to ensure their political survival and yet in private life they are unfaithful to Allah.

They will ban sodomy and drinking for the rakyat but not in their own private lives.

Corruption, abuse of power, injustice, lying are not against Islam but sodomy and drinking must be stopped!

It is clear that there are two sets of standards. It is clear that UMNO/BN invariably double talk to confuse and deceive, UMNO/BN propogate lies and untruths to always cause alarm and racial friction aiming at self-preservance.

Anything is ok: race, religion and even invoking the Sultan's name. In fact, UMNO/BN had been very disrespectful to the Sultans, chipping away at their powers etc. Everyone knows UNMO/BN are hypocrites and fear mongers and will do anything to stay in power cos everything comes easy with political power.

Small wonder then that they will "nuke" Anwar (as Razak Baginda syas to Wikileaks) but do nothing to the likes of pornstars CSL, Datuk T and big time crooks like Khir Toyo, Tajuddin but will destroy good men like Dato Rambli Yusoff, Lawyer Rosli and indeed anyone who doesn't play along with them to rape, rob and impoverish our country and the rakyat.

We should UNANIMOUSLY AND WITH ONE VOICE vote out UMNO/BN come this forth-coming elections. And Sabahans and Sarawakians should kick out the BN MPs who are helping to perpetuate a corrupt and abusive regime!

Fortunately, we have, increasingly, brave men and women of all races working to change the government. Happily we have in our midst righteous, tolerant and understanding muslim personalities in people like Ex Perak Mufti, PAS leaders, bloggers like Haris Ibrahim, RPK, Mariam Moktar etc from near and far who cannot stomach the rotting situation in our beloved country. ...

written by Revolution, August 30, 2011 22:58:30

Lynn ,

It is Cunnilingus . .

written by albert zacharias, August 30, 2011 14:03:04

All the Dogs in the street, house, Parliment, public companies also practised oral sex. I know of I CEO practising with his assistant right in his office. Need I disclose his name kah??? ...

written by Lady Gaga, August 30, 2011 11:02:10

If they were going to persecute everyone that has indulged in oral sex, I am sure all married people as well as all the ministers will be charged. So damn funny laaaa Malaysian government. Petty things they are very into it but unsolved cases in court without justice left. ..

written by lynn, August 30, 2011 01:26:28

"Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia. But then so is oral sex. And if we also arrest and jail all those who indulge in oral sex, then 15 million Malaysians would probably be in jail. Probably all the 222 Members of Parliament will be in jail as well."
First your 15 million included all of us here - ha ha ha - what if some of us are celibate, jesus christ! Looks like everyone gives blowjobs & receives cunninglingus! Yechts! ...

written by Motherchell, August 29, 2011 23:34:55

"""""'''Are we really liberal or do we talk only.?????????????.............

We are not a liberal society but Uputras are !!!!!! They not only enjoy oral sex but give speeches as they enjoy it thinking they are in front of a microphone!!!! It also depends on the moment of their choices!!! ..

written by Revolution, August 29, 2011 23:14:38

Hypocrisy is the problem number one in Malaysia ... Because rules are completely outdated ...

Almost every young malay drink,smoke during puasah but in the toilets or at home ... We all know this ... ...

written by Bangkok Warrior, August 29, 2011 22:57:45

If Anwar is still convicted despite the DNA evidence and sperm evidence bring pristine after 56 hours then we can safely say there are hidden hands working in the episode.If the forensic lab is not accredited because it has complied with international guidelines then judge should accept the findings of the so call experts from the lab.There is a major flaw.From what it appears the DNA had been totally demolished.The world is watching.

written by lakian, August 29, 2011 22:22:13

CSL was oral sex and adultery on porn tube,nothing happened to him.he is the present president of MCA.suppose Anwar and saiful were named ali and ah kau respectively,what would be the storey now?could ah kau went to see najib and rosmah?so access to then IGP musa hassan and others in the top range?it is impossible or hard to believe people like anwar once DPM and struggling for the top one time jailed for sodomy,should he acted in such idiotive maner.so also the dato "T" sex scandal. ..

written by arazak, August 29, 2011 21:37:41

UMNO goons think that being gay is more serious crime than taking bribes. Hell. . ., maybe they thought taking bribes is not a crime at all! ...

written by Admiral Tojo, August 29, 2011 21:06:37

Being LIBERAL is not about being carefree. IT IS ABOUT NOT BEING A HYPOCRITE - MUNAFEQ. The QURAN asked of us to be righteous (not religious) and liberal. It is about thinking WITHOUT A BOX.

Many who do not read are ignorant of this.

Shalom

written by onnetline, August 29, 2011 20:35:09

Which stone age moron(s) suggested or helped implemented ' oral sex ' as in violation of law ? Obviously, there are a lot of our BN politicians who are suffering from EDS and jealous of the sexually active and ' performing ' Malaysians ! ..

written by bambooman, August 29, 2011 19:41:53

No! No! Rais Yatim don't do oral! Rais Yatim only raped his maid and "seek" money from the Malaysian Judiciary! And that is "confidence" from a Malaysian politicians! ...

written by Don Corleone, August 29, 2011 18:41:16

What about the MCA porn king ? Why wasn't he charged following his own admission ? ..

written by doggone, August 29, 2011 18:27:45

Like a man who kisses his pet cat so must a tongue, its petpet. ..

written by Littlebird, August 29, 2011 18:24:28

Not all the 222 MPs. It is only an offense for the males. the females an still enjoy it getting. ...

written by educationist, August 29, 2011 18:22:10

Trust RPK to force the issue, no niceties - yes if one is not ready for this :

"As long as what I do does not hurt you, then what I do is my problem and not of your concern:"

then one is still a bit not ready for a liberal society!!

Yet, I believe civil liberties can transcend the sexual preferences RPK has used as a yardstick.

The civil liberties of inter alia free speech, freedom to voice our opposition in the form of peaceful demonstrations and freedom to profess the religion of our choice should be worthy objectives in themselves!! ...

written by Awang Hitam, August 29, 2011 17:51:00

Ahem! 222 MP and 2 Speakers! & Taihi Mahmoood who always complained of Neck Pain and Swollen Tongue ..

written by mikewang, August 29, 2011 17:24:34

What has oral sex got to do with a liberal society?

This sex act has been enjoyed by humanity of all ages and at all times since the invention of soap. ..

written by malsia1206, August 29, 2011 17:13:39

Put it this way -

1. our IGP has never in his possession a porno DVD

2. none of our Muslim MPs ever have a glass of alcohol or beer or punt in 4D

3. the AG is ever so faithful and never commit adultery

4. none of our Judges is infallible

5. the PM never engage in oral sex

6. Mamak PM was outright pure during the Asian financial crisis in the 90's

7. Badawi PM never get any favour for himself or members of his family

8. Perak Royalty was absolutely independent in handling the Perak crisis

If these hold true, Malaysia is now right up there in Heaven.