By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 — State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi has slammed what he described as inappropriate behaviour at the 39th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL39), questioning whether the prestigious music awards show is attempting to normalise lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture in Malaysia.
He took to social media today to express his disapproval, urging TV3, the event’s broadcaster, to take greater responsibility in curating its content.
“I strongly advise @tv3malaysia not to enable this group of mutasyabbih (those who imitate or promote inappropriate behaviour).
“Is TV3, through AJL39, attempting to normalise LGBT culture in our society?
“An incident like this should never have occurred at an arts awards ceremony that, for the past 40 years, has traditionally been held to celebrate the best works of the nation’s composers and lyricists,” Najwan said.
His remarks come in the wake of AJL39, where certain local influencers were seen cross-dressing at the event, drawing mixed reactions on social media.
AJL39 took place on Sunday (February 16) at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, featuring performances from ten finalists, including Marsha Milan with Hening Rindu, Akim & The Majistret with Saksama, and Hael Husaini with Diam, among others.
