The student body, which organised a controversial forum on LGBT at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, has defended its actions.

USM Muslim Student Association (PMIUSM) said the programme was based on religious demands and done according to the university's constitution.

The forum called "Fitrah, Menyantuni LGBT Kembali Ke Jalan Allah" (Preordained Path, Reaching Out to LGBT to Return to Allah's Way) was held from March 1 to 24 on the campus ground.

Since the event was publicised in the international and local media, the group had been criticised for wanting to "convert" LGBT students. 

However, in a statement to the media, PMIUSM president Ahmad Rifhan Mujaddid Jazmi Zuhri said it was the student body's right as Muslims to organise the forum.

"Those who have different views should respect this, there is no need to look at it as a threat as PMIUSM is carrying out its duty as a Muslim body.

“We also try to educate our friends in the university to reach out to those who were involved and they are asked not to be rough to the community because PMIUSM was taught to hate the act and not the person involved," he added.

"We want all quarters to understand that Islam always invites its believers to do good which is appropriate to the preordained path, to those who love peace, well-being and goodwill," he stressed.

Moreover, Ahmad Rifhan said, the programme was held due to the request by members who have LGBT friends who want to help them, especially those who are Muslims, to change and return to the "preordained path".

The forum kicked off on March 1 with a tea party titled "Reaching Out to LGBTs", led by third-year student Taufiq Lamran.

It was followed by a multimedia, comic and video contest and concluded with the LGBT forum on March 24.

Ahmad Rifhan said the objective of the campaign to reach out to LGBTs was designed specifically for the Muslim community as this is against Islam, as noted in Surah Al- A'raf ayat 80 to ayat 84.

At the same time, he said PMIUSM does not want the LGBT culture to "sprout like mushrooms after the rain" in Malaysia.

"But we have never used a violent approach to anyone or try to threaten those who do not agree with us," he said.

"We only want to play a role as a religious association to invite Muslims to return to the path based on our Islamic teachings using the lessons taught in Surah An-Nahlu ayat 125".

'A pure effort, doesn't threaten anyone' 

Ahmad Rifhan said despite strong opposition by those who defended LGBT rights, the forum was well supported by various quarters, especially USM students who deem this a "pure effort" which does not threaten anyone.

"We hope people understand that this is also our responsibility according to our religious beliefs which clearly states its position on LGBT.

"We want to invite students and public to reach out and spread goodwill by organising programmes such as this to return to the preordained path," he added.

Meanwhile, Penang Island City councillor Syerleena Abdul Rashid (photo) said she only came to know of this forum a few weeks ago when it went viral on social media.

"I am disappointed that a forum like this is able to go on in USM or any university for that matter.

"Being a USM graduate, I can't help but feel massively let down by the contents and purpose of this forum - universities can do without bigoted forums that spread hate and fear," she said.

"Don't get me wrong, I do believe in freedom of expression and speech but universities, in general, should engage in intellectual discourse - topics concerning education, economy, anthropology and so forth.

"Topics where participants can gain some level of knowledge and wisdom that can help them gain a better understanding of the society we live in... this particular forum/contest shows absolutely nothing of that ilk," she said.

The state DAP assistant publicity secretary said it is embarrassing that international media had picked up on this and once again and Malaysia is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

"The whole concept of 'menyantuni' just leaves a bad taste, the idea of rehabilitating the LGBT community goes against the fundamentals of human rights and social justice."