Malaysian politician says only married drug users should get free condoms

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — A leading Malaysian politician said that only married drug users should get free condoms to prevent HIV-AIDS, adding to a growing controversy over government plans to combat the disease.

Tajol Rosli Ghazali, chief minister for the northern state of Perak, said he would oppose a government plan to combat the disease if free condoms were given to unmarried drug users.

"It is okay if you want to give condoms to husbands but if you give it to bachelors, it is not appropriate since Islam prohibits sex between unmarried couples," he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

Tajol Rosli also called on the health ministry to review the plan and to consult religious leaders and non-governmental organisations over its...