KUALA LUMPUR: The couple steals kisses, holds hands and dances the night away in one of Kuala Lumpur's top clubs. The only difference from the scores of other couples on the floor is that the two are both women. In recent months, discussions on LGBT rights in the country have increased, and for these two girls, there is some hope for change in Malaysia. “I think not as many people really give us a hard time when we are out together and showing affection," began Rina, a 23-year-old recent university graduate. She spoke of her relationship with Youssra, a 22-year-old student who told Bikyamasr.com that her family is not pleased by her coming out. “I told them recently about Rina and they were shocked. I thought my father was going to kill me, but even though they are not happy, I think they have accepted who I am," she argued. For the country's lesbian and gay population, the struggle for rights is an uphill battle. With the country's legal code based largely on the British system that was implemented last century during its occupation of Malaysia, and coupled with the growing power of Islamic clerics, creating openness and dialogue is often difficult. But couples like Rina and Youssra are beginning to see changes in everyday perception towards their relationship. “First it was our friends who were a little taken aback by our getting together, but they came around," continued Rina. “Now we can go to a number of clubs in KL and elsewhere, spend time on the beach and not be bothered, because we see that once people learn about us and see us, it is different." Much to the continued frustration of the community, the government is continuing its anti-gay strategy, with Prime Minister Najib Razak arguing that LGBT and liberalism are against Islam and will be “fought.” Razak, speaking in front of a crowd of over 11,000 imams and mosque committee members from across the nation on Saturday, argued that the gay community was a threat to the stability of Malaysia. “LGBTs, pluralism, liberalism ― all these ‘isms' are against Islam and it is compulsory for us to fight these," he said. Razak also said the government supports human rights, but within the boundaries of Islam. “We do support human rights, but we must do so within the boundaries set by Islam," he said. The prime minister also told Muslims to avoid discord which could threaten those who safeguard Islamic principles. “If the nation falls into a state of chaos, who will safeguard these people?" he asked. The event, organised by the Prime Minister's Office, started off with the Minister in Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen (R) Jamil Khir Baharom saying that imams must defend the government against these threats. “There are so many attacks on our religion. LGBTs, pluralism, liberalism, Seksualiti Merdeka. We must stand strong and defend the government," he said. Attendees were also given a book which was written by the PM himself, entitled “Agenda Islam Dalam Transformasi Negara.” The LGBT community in Malaysia has repeatedly told Bikyamasr.com that they fear for their safety often after repeated government attempts to curtail their basic rights. One activist and lesbian told Bikyamasr.com recently that “while society is becoming more tolerant to gay people, the government is doing the opposite."
