Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) should be helped to return to their original identities instead of simply raising issues to fully recognise their rights in total, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Mahfuz Omar.

He said rather than busily criticising the LGBT community by saying that they were a threat to the society, the focus should be on the effort to approach and educate them to return to their original natures and their true characters.

"I think this issue does not have to be seen in a wrong framework, we should look in the context of educating them and how to bring them back to normal and true identities, in fact, that's what should be done.

"If a man is indeed a man, adopt the nature of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (A mercy to all creations) and approach him (LGBT) gently, because Islam truly respects every human being," he told reporters after opening the Students’ Excellent Day at Sekolah Kebangsaan Convent in Alor Setar today.

Prior to this, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa stated that LGBT community in Malaysia is entitled to enjoy the same rights as citizens and they should not be discriminated against in any form including at work.

Mahfuz, however, said he had not received any reports of discrimination against the group (LGBT) at work, but did not rule out the matter.

"Even if there is, maybe nobody dares to come forward. If they (LGBT) are discriminated against and denied their rights at work they can lodge reports," he said.

- Bernama