Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has ignited controversy and widespread online mockery after claiming that work-related stress is among the factors that can lead people toward what he termed the “LGBT lifestyle.”

The minister made the contentious remarks during a parliamentary session while responding to questions about LGBT-related issues and statistics in Malaysia.

In his response, Hasan cited multiple factors he believes may influence people’s sexual orientation, including job-related stress, social pressure, sexual experiences, and what he described as insufficient religious practice. He referenced a 2017 study to support his claims, though he did not provide specific details about the research or its methodology.

The minister also acknowledged that the Malaysian government currently lacks comprehensive data on the size of the country’s LGBT population, making it difficult to assess the scope of the community.

Hasan’s comments have sparked immediate backlash on social media platforms, with users expressing disbelief and ridicule. The remarks have triggered both serious debate about official attitudes toward the LGBT community in Malaysia and a wave of humorous responses mocking the premise that workplace stress could influence sexual orientation.

Malaysia maintains conservative policies regarding LGBT issues, with same-sex relationships remaining illegal under both civil and Islamic law. The country has faced repeated criticism from human rights organizations over its treatment of LGBT individuals.

The minister’s statements add to ongoing tensions in Malaysia regarding LGBT rights and highlight the challenges faced by sexual minorities in the predominantly Muslim nation.