Malaysia Minister’s ‘work stress makes you gay’ remark in Parliament goes viral; see how netizens react

A Malaysian minister said that workplace stress can push individuals to “become involved in the LGBT community.”

The remarks were made by Zulkifli Hasan, Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), in a written reply to Parliament. According to a report by South China Morning Post, the minister cited work-related stress, social influence, sexual experiences, and insufficient religious practice as key factors behind what he described as “LGBT-related behaviour.”

“Societal influence, sexual experiences, work stress, and other personal factors come under this category [of possible causes],” Hasan stated in his parliamentary response to a question raised by Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, a member of the opposition Islamist party PAS.


The comments were part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into LGBT trends in Malaysia, including data related to age, ethnicity, and contributing factors. Hasan also disclosed that between 2022 and 2025, authorities recorded 135 cases linked to LGBT activities, either through arrests or prosecutions. Same-sex relationships remain illegal in the country.

The minister’s statements quickly sparked ridicule online. “By this logic, I'm genuinely shocked my entire office isn't gay by now,” one social media user remarked. Another commented, “Just to work less hours, I'll accept and support this study.”