Newspaper The Representation of Homosexuality- A Content Analysis in a Malaysian Newspaper

Homosexual activities in Malaysia have been around for a long time but it was not considered to be dangerous until it was highlighted by the local press (Ho, 1998). The media played a crucial role in communicating and popularizing homosexuality, which forced and provoked unparalleled discussion on sex and sexuality which are considered taboo subjects in this country (Tan, 1999). In Malaysia, homosexuality is considered illegal and is punishable with long prison sentences of up to 20 years and canings. The establishment of People‘s Voluntary Anti-Homosexual Movement (PASRAH) an organization that has vowed to eradicate homosexuality by imposing severe penalties and closing down gay gathering places, has caused quite a stir. Homosexuality was suddenly branded as a ―threat ‖ to the society, forcing the society to openly discuss the issue of homosexuality. This kind of sentiment reflects that there is an increasing amount of intolerance or resistance towards people whose sexuality preference is different from the rest of the society. Can the conservative Malaysian society be able to treat the homosexual equall