PAS MPs Propose Labelling LGBTQ+ As A Mental Illness That Government Needs To Solve
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching member of parliament (MP) Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen urged his fellow politicians to not discriminate against anyone regardless of whether they agree with their lifestyle.
By Parvinsivam Thirunamakarasu — 24 May 2023, 01:27 PM
Yesterday, 23 May, two Perikatan Nasional (PN) members of parliament (MP) said that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) community should be declared "mentally ill"
During the debate to decriminalise suicide in Parliament, Pasir Salak MP Jamaluddin Yahya from PAS proposed that the LGBTQ+ community should be categorised as having "mental issues".
His fellow PAS colleague, Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali, thanked him for his suggestion and agreed to include it in her speech.
She added that mental disorders in the country is an important issue that requires the attention of several ministries, and they should discuss the best way to approach the matter.
Miri MP Chiew Choon Man said that mental health issues should be handled seriously and professionally by everyone
"It is inappropriate for us to simply categorise a particular group as having mental health issues without a medical or professional basis," contended Chiew who is with Pakatan Harapan (PH), during his debate speech.
In a Twitter post, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen also made his stand on the issue
He tweeted that any mental health classification should be based on evidence and science, and with reference to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
"Don't discriminate against anyone regardless of whether you agree with their lifestyle or not," added the DAP Youth Chief.
