PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim has backed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's stance that same-sex marriages will not be allowed in Malaysia.

The only difference, he said, was that he believed that laws against sodomy should be amended to prevent abuse.

“Actually we do not have a difference of opinion. As a Malaysian that has religious understanding, we do not agree with same-sex marriage.

“Sanctity of marriage is between a man and a woman,” he was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail.

Anwar was speaking to PKR members today at a gathering in Ipoh, Perak.

Yesterday, Mahathir said same-sex marriages went against Malaysian values.

Meanwhile, on a separate matter, Anwar rubbished those who said he would not look after the Malays and Islam once he becomes prime minister.

"Some non-liberals are worried that I will become less Malay and Muslim when I become the prime minister.

"I want to state here I will defend Malays and other races too. The other races supported us as they believe we will be fair to them,” he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.