The government should take stern action to curtail the spread of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transexuals (LGBT), because it is being propagated by those who appear to be modern Muslims and the educated, as well as in ways that are invisible, said a Wanita Umno delegate.

The representative from Perlis, Marzita Mansor, quoted Egyptian ulama Yusof al-Qardhawi's fatwa that all Muslims must reject homosexual behaviour because it is against Islam and human nature.

"He even banned Muslims from eating or drinking with LGBT practitioners and supporters, never mind being under their leadership because they are always engaging in activities damned by Allah," she said while tabling the education, religion and social motions at the Umno Women's General Assembly today.

NONE While she did not name names, she is likely to have referred to PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim who had been charged and acquitted of sodomy twice and is widely tipped to be the next prime minister should Pakatan Rakyat takes power.

The Umno Perlis Women's assistant secretary was telling delegates that the spread of Shia beliefs, religious pluralism, absolute freedom, and rationalism have shaken the Muslim community's ( ummah ) unity because it conflicts with Sunni beliefs.

This is because it allows for interfaith marriages, freedom of religion, and fighting for the rights of LGBTs.

"A Muslim individual must understand that these growing beliefs and philosophies are not just a facet of the Western neo-colonism agenda.

"It is also a strategy to destroy Islam through intellectual rationalism based on psychological attacks," she said.

As a solution, the proposed that the government should improve Islamic studies at all level of education.

Thankful for Lynas and Rapid

Meanwhile during the debates on economic motions, two delegates separate raised issue with the opposition of Pakatan and NGOs' to the Lynas Advance Material Plant (Lamp) and the Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project.

"We the people of Pahang are very thankful that the Lynas project is set up in Gebeng, and will create more job opportunities for them," said Pahang delegate Fauziah Abdul Wahab.

NONE Unfortunately, she said, the opposition had "manipulated" the project by alleging that the project is harmful, eventually applying for court injunctions and marching "here and there" to Dataran Merdeka in protest.

"Opposition supporters only considered political interests without taking the economy and livelihood of the people of Pahang and Malaysians who work for Lynas into account," said the Paya Besar Umno division deputy women's chief.

She stressed that political stability is vital for economic development.

Later, Johor delegate Noraini Zakaria praised the development in the state such as the Iskandar Johor and Rapid, saying that it gives "good returns" and provides job opportunities.

"Stupid PAS... they are jealous of the economic delivery of BN-led states continues to find ways to cheat the people.

"They have launched a fundraiser to build a highway although the BN government is always prepared to provide funds to ensure the people's comfort," she said.

Earlier, Penang Umno women's chief Jumabi Mohamad said the division is prepared to retake the state from DAP in the next general election.

She said that after its defeat in the 2008 general election, it has reviewed its failure and formed a strategy for the 13th general election.

"Don't be surprised when we retake Penang at the next general election... (we will) strike and fight.

"We admit our past weaknesses. We were too complacent and overlooked many things," she said, adding that the defeat had opened their eyes.

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