Taylor's University is under fire for allegedly putting commercial interests before students by failing to approve an event on LGBT rights.

The Taylor's Pride Week event themed 'Courage in the Face of Adversity' was organised by a group of students "advocating against social injustice" faced by the community, LGBT rights group Pelangi said.

"We regret that Taylor's University has decided to place its business interests above safeguarding academic freedom and integrity, and standing firm for the autonomy of its students and staff.

"University should be a space for productive and critical discourse, where issues of importance to society can be freely discussed and debated.

"It is through deep involvement and keen interest in dealing with complex, even sensitive issues that the youth can become catalysts for change," Pelangi said in a statement.

Pelangi is listed as one of the supporters of the student initiative.

It said the cancellation highlights shrinking space for discourse on LGBT rights and perpetuation of "systemic oppression" by the state on the matter.

It also urged Malaysians to emulate Sadiq Khan, the Muslim mayor of London who is pushing for inclusivity by holding events like the Big Gay Iftar programme to mark Ramadan and acknowlege the existence of the LGBT community among Muslims.

"It must not be forgotten, that one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths is in the diversity of us all as members of the society. It is time we return to embodying this inclusive understanding," it said.

The three-day event scheduled for next month at Taylor's University's Subang Jaya campus was cancelled, purportedly because it was to be held during the month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar - a month considered holy by Muslims.

The month is marked by most Muslims by fasting during sunlight hours and extended nightly prayers.

However, Taylor’s University senior corporate communications manager Azura Abdullah said that the event was cancelled as the organisers did not obtain its approval.

“It was a decision made by the management without pressure from any party or community.

“It was organised without prior approval from the management. We take into account the interest of all parties before approving any student campaign or event,” said Azura as quoted by The Malay Mail Online.

According to the report, other supporters of the event included Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor or Empower, PT Foundation, Seed Foundation, Knowledge and Rights with Young people through Safer Spaces or KRYSS, and Gerakbudaya.

Apart from the "pride march", scheduled to be held from June 6-8 was supposed to also feature a movie screening, forum, exhibition and an open mike session.