Malaysia minister blames work stress for LGBT ‘behaviour’: What science says

A recent statement by Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan, suggests that work-related stress and other factors might contribute to involvement in what he described as an “LGBT lifestyle”.

The comment was made in response to questions in Parliament and it has become one of the most talked-about political moments in the country this week.In a written parliamentary reply, Dr Zulkifli cited a 2017 study by Sulaiman et al. on contributing factors to the behaviours he categorised as “LGBT-related,” saying that work stress, social influences and lack of religious practice can play a role in someone becoming involved in the LGBT community.

The minister acknowledged that “a combination of these elements may contribute to the development of LGBT-related behaviour,” but also noted that the Malaysian government does not have official statistics on the size of the LGBT population in the country.

How the claim by Dr Zulkifli Hasan was framed in the parliament

Dr Zulkifli’s remarks came as part of a broader parliamentary inquiry into LGBT trends, including age distribution, ethnic background and main contributing factors.

The minister responded to questions from members of parliament about why such behaviours occur and referenced the 2017 research to explain that multiple influences, including social circles, personal experiences and stress, might intertwine.He also said that from 2022 to 2025, a total of 135 cases related to LGBT activities were recorded as arrests or prosecutions, reflecting ongoing law enforcement engagement with the issue. However, his framing of particularly linking work stress with sexual orientation or lifestyle choices, struck many as surprising or scientifically unfounded, sparking immediate online blowback.

Is work stress really a cause of LGBT lifestyles?

While Dr Zulkifli cited a study that examined various personal and social factors, leading health and human rights organisations reject the idea that sexual orientation is caused by environmental factors such as stress or workplace conditions. Major psychological and medical bodies worldwide have long held that sexual orientation is not a choice or a direct result of life stressors.