Date: Tue, 20 Jun 1995 15:57:40 GMT+1000 From: Udo Schuklenk Excerpted from _Sydney Star Observer_ February 23, 1995, p. 10. *Malaysian squads target gays* Petaling Jaya Selangor state religious affairs minister, Nahwari Hashim, has praised community based vigilante groups who assisted in the arrest of 7,000 people for 'unislamic activities', according to a report in the Malaysian newspaper _The Sun_. The Islamic Badar vigilante groups were formed last year, with volunteer members expected to report on 'immoral activities' in their neighborhood. Director general of the Islamic Pusat Centre, Datus Zainal Abidin Abndul Kadir, is calling on the groups to fight homosexuals. "We certainly do not want to see our country turning into another replica of western countries, with all the moral deterioration like adultery and homosexuality being accepted by the community", he told _The Sun_. According to Zainal Abidin, the Badar groups are making sure that economic growth does not bring with it "social problems that cannot be solved." Religions Affairs Minister for the State of Selangor, welcomed the 7,000 arrests. Hashim said the participation of volunteers made it easier to know whether 'immoral activities' were taking place and allowed authorities to act faster. Hashim denies report that Badar members act on false information w/out investigating. "Any information that Badar receives is first investigated before action is taken. Those who are caught are counselled and must attend religious classes besides being charged," he said. Badar groups are accompanied by religious affairs department enforcement officers during antivice operations. "Sometimes counselling is done on the spot if qualified staff are with us during the operations," the minister said. Udo