PUTRAJAYA: Elements that provoke international outrage, including the promotion of deviant lifestyles as seen in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, should not be emphasised or promoted.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said his office fully supports the recent official statement from Egypt's world renowned Al-Azhar University condemning these issues in the strongest terms.
"The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, held last Friday, was vibrant along the Seine River, presenting a departure from previous opening ceremonies.
"However, the enthusiasm of the organisers to create and innovate, without regard for the sensitivities of global religious, cultural, and belief diversity, undermined the celebratory atmosphere of the 2024 Olympic Games," he said in a statement today.
Na'im noted that although the organisers denied having a specific agenda or message, the characters and scenes presented clearly did not respect the beliefs of those who hold to values, morals, and noble humanity.
He added that this included the promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elements, which conflict with the religion and culture of a significant portion of the global community and is a dangerous action.
"In the context of organising an international sporting event, it is essential for the responsible bodies to ensure that elements likely to provoke controversy are not presented, regardless of the reasons provided.
"All parties are responsible for celebrating cultural diversity and promoting mutual respect, human fraternity, and co-existence," he said.
He emphasised that any actions that could undermine global respect and harmony must be avoided.