A series of flip-flops on the alleged ban against the portrayal of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) characters on state-owned television channels has led to mass confusion among the public.

NONE Despite several earlier conflicting reports, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Rais Yatim (left) said that no such ban exists, the fifth clarification on the matter since yesterday.

“There is no ban on any artistic performance by any segment of society including those acronymed as ‘soft men’,” said Rais in a Twitter posting.

However, the ministry still reserves the right to select content suitable for the general public, added Rais in another posting.

The matter first erupted when the Information Department announced on its Facebook yesterday of an immediate ban on programmes depicting gays and effeminate men.

However, the department later this morning apologised for the announcement, claiming it to be a case of miscommunication .

NONE “The issue of banning programmes containing (LGBT characters) that we posted last night was a topic of discussion on Bernama Radio24 that we reproduced from their Facebook .

“It was not a directive from any authority. We apologise if any confusion has been caused due to our Facebook posting last night,” read the posting from its Facebook administrator.

Deputy minister deepens mystery

But a third clarification on the matter added to the confusion when Information, Communications and Culture Deputy Minister Maglin Dennis D'Cruz was reported by The Star as confirming the ban.

NONE Maglin (left) had reportedly told the English daily that the ban was effective immediately for state-owned media, with plans to extend it to other private media outlets.

In another twist, when contacted by Malaysiakini , Maglin denied that any such directive was issued.

“There was no such directive, the explanation I had given was based on the Information Department’s Facebook entry.

“As of now the ministry will review and look into the matter. I have asked my officers to check on this immediately,” he said.

In an immediate reaction, Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan called the fiasco a shame.
 
"Our Ministry of Misinformation is an embarrassment," she remarked on Twitter .
 
Ballet bungle revisited

The latest clarification from Rais himself is expected to put an end to the fumbling by Information Ministry officials.

This episode is the second time in a week the Ministry officials have been left red-faced over confusion on its own directives.

azlan Yesterday, Rais was forced to deny an alleged ban on Singapore Dance Threatre’s ballet performance scheduled for Kuala Lumpur, claiming that the ministry never received an application for a permit.

The organiser, KL Performing Arts Centre had complained that a permit for the ballet was rejected on grounds that the dancers’ attire was indecent.

The arts centre insists that it did apply for a permit in early March and has since reapplied for a new permit after receiving Rais’ assurance.

The classical ballet performance will see the dancers donning their traditional tutus and tights.

Gov't bans LGBT from state-owned TVs, radios