A statement by the office said such topics showed a lack of respect towards the religion and were inappropriate to be debated in Malaysia, which is a multiracial and multi-religious country with Islam as the official religion of the federation.

“Although they have offered an ‘apology’, the office takes this issue seriously because the joint statement issued by the co-chief adjudicators on the topics concerned is completely unacceptable.

“Nowadays, there are many other relevant issues to be debated such as corruption, accountability and justice. So, why is it necessary to choose such controversial topics? They should instead focus on topics that promote nation-building,” it said.

The statement also drew attention to the fact that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa have repeatedly stressed that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) movement would not be recognised in the country.