The Education Ministry said it did not see anything wrong if the musical Asmara Songsang was performed in schools to educate people against getting involved in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual (LGBT) activities.

Its Deputy Minister (II) Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the same applied to universities.

"If the aim of the musical is to create awareness among school and varsity students, then there is no issue.

NONE “We don't want our children to be involved in such activities and if the content of the musical helps our children understand it, then there is nothing wrong.

“We do not want to create hatred towards LGBT but it's just that we need to convince people not to get involved in such activities. People must look at it in a positive manner,” Puad said on Sunday.

It is hard for me or the ministry to give its views about Asmara Songsang until we have actually seen the performance, said Deputy Education Minister (I) Datuk Wee Ka Siong.

The musical Asmara Songsang portrays the lives of three LGBT friends who like to party, take drugs and have casual sex and are subsequently asked to repent by their religious neighbours, who try to reintroduce Islam to them.

NONE Those who repent are spared and those who do not are struck by lightning and killed.

Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (Page) chairperson Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim ( left ) said she had not seen the musical but suggested that LGBT issues be dealt with quietly and gently.

"We have not watched the musical although we believe their intentions are good," said Noor Azimah in an SMS to The Malay Mail .

"Nonetheless, LGBT is an emotional state of certain individuals and should be dealt with privately and with care.

Asri: A better ending

"A public shaming of students with such inclinations may end up further alienating them rather than finding a mutual resolve," said Noor Azimah.

Catholic priest, Father Philip Muthu said there are two things involved - the promotion of LGBT culture and those who have LGBT tendencies.

"Keeping aside religion, LGBT is against nature and from young we are taught that. If the culture of LGBT is promoted it can affect the future of our culture."

"A person who is gay and are able to control himself must be respected. I don’t know why it is being staged in schools and universities."

"We have to help and respect LGBTs and the person should not be condemned.

"I see a difference between promoting the culture of 'gay and lesbianism' which in itself is against nature, and those who have tendencies of being gay or lesbian are conscious about their struggle and like any other person needs to control oneself," he said.

''Keeping in mind natural laws, right morality, that exception in nature does not give rights to individuals or groups to promote and practice in society something which could stunt and endanger the promotion of common good," said Philip.

NONE Islamic lecturer and former Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said he has not seen the play but it is normal in Malay stories to have such dramatic scenes, such as lightning strikes killing off a character.

"We do not promote LGBT activities because it's against human nature. It is the divine project that man marries woman and vice versa."

Without saying if the play is good or bad, Asri said there should be a better ending.

"We need some sort of play that can give us a solution, something that can come out of human life. Not bala (divine intervention).

"We are always waiting for a divine solution but that does not happen in real life," Asri said.

- The Malay Mail