Politician thinks only ghosts, drunks, and LGBT people use highways at night

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak has apologized after insulting LGBT people while discussing toll-free roads at night.

He said a government plan to let people use highways for free between 11pm and 5am would only benefit ‘ghosts, drunks and LGBT looking for clients’.

Najib, who was prime minister from 2009 to 2018 and is on trial for corruption, later apologized.

‘It was not my intention to insult those in society who work at night or those who use the expressways after 11pm’ he wrote on Facebook.

‘I humbly apologize if anybody was offended.’

Online users widely denounced his comments.

Mr Najib, here is a list of people who work late to make an honest living (do look up the meaning of honest) Night shift workers, waiters, police, nurses, doctors, security guards “Only ghosts, LGBT will benefit from off-peak congestion charge, says Najib https://t.co/vIn62vbDgb

— The IvyGram (@ivyjosiah) February 26, 2019

Just the latest anti-LGBTI comment

In the last year, many political and religious leaders in Malaysia have badmouthed the country’s LGBTI population.

It comes amid rising intolerance towards LGBTI people.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed, has said Malaysia ‘cannot accept’ LGBTI rights. He labeled them ‘Western’ values.

A senior mufti in Malaysia last month became the latest figure to speak out against LGBTI people.

He urged the country’s Muslims to treat trans women as males. ‘There are only two recognized genders,’ he said.

The country’s human rights commission, meanwhile, has advised LGBTI people to keep their ‘lifestyle choices’ private.

Last year, two women were caned for ‘attempting lesbian sex’.

What’s more, authorities raided iconic gay club, Blue Boy, in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Police had not raided the club in its 30-year history.

Meanwhile, in the last three months, at least two trans women have been killed.