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SHAH ALAM - Rehabilitation centres for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are deemed strange and odd, says former Penang deputy chief minister.
The former lawmaker expressed his perplexity over the concept of rehabilitation centres for the LGBT community, stressing that being LGBT is a biological condition rather than a behavioral issue.
"The idea of having a rehabilitation centre for the LGBT community seems puzzling.
"Essentially, we're addressing individuals who are born with a biological condition.
"It doesn't seem logical, especially in a country that may not fully accept the LGBT community," he told Sinar Daily when contacted.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Professor of Law Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal echoed Ramasamy's concerns, stressing that any rehabilitation programme should be voluntary and adhere to fundamental human rights principles.
"We need to know more details of the programme as they (the LGBT community) are human beings and they must be given basic human rights.
"No one should not be embarrassed in public," she said.
Noor Aziah also clarified that the existence of such a rehabilitation centre does not affect the unity government, as it falls within the state's jurisdiction.
The Johor government's decision to allocate RM400,000 for a rehabilitation centre aimed at "correcting" individuals deemed to be deviating from Islamic teachings or engaging in same-sex relationships has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Critics argue that such centres perpetuate discrimination against the LGBT community and fail to address the underlying issues of acceptance and inclusion.
They highlight the need for education and awareness campaigns to promote understanding and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.