Lady Gaga has been condemned for urging young Malaysians to protest the censorship of her Born This Way lyrics.
The hit song encourages acceptance of alternative sexual behaviour, notably gay and lesbianism.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Rosnah Ismail, condemned the singer.
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“Islam forbids this. We have to abide by the country’s laws,” Prof. Ismail said.
“She shouldn’t try to influence the minds of young Malaysians.
“We are not like some western countries that have legalised the gay or lesbian movement.”
In an interview posted on YouTube, Lady Gaga urged young Malaysians to fight for musical liberty.
“What I would say is for all the young people in Malaysia that want those words to be played on the radio, it is your job and it is your duty as young people to have your voices heard,” she said.
“You must do everything that you can if you want to be liberated by your society. You must call, you must not stop, you must protest peaceably,” she added.
Malaysian broadcasters are being cautious with Lady Gaga’s song because the Government forbids offensive content. They risk fines of up to RM50,000 (£10,000) and other penalties for breaking the rules.
Reverend Wilfred John, of the Sabah Theological Seminary, said Malaysia is against the gay movement said Lady Gaga’s requests were pointless as Malaysian society condemns homosexuality.
“Still, Malaysians must think carefully over what is good and not good for the society,” he said.
Principal of SM La Salle school in Kota Kinabalu, Julia Willie Hock, says the lyrics in Lady Gaga’s song that encourage acceptance of gays are contradictory to the moral values “that we are trying to instil in young people.”
“Our religion does not encourage such unhealthy practices,” she said.
“Apart from teachers, who are playing a role to inculcate our children with the right ideals, parents and the society at large should also be concerned.”
