Penang – Malaysia continues to show it homophobic face with recent raids on gay businesses in Penang, and the second trial for sodomy of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

In both cases antiquated ant-gay laws left over from the country’s colonial period are being used to repress gays or those viewed as MSM (Men having sex with men).

Police in Penang have for a long time led a drive to rid the island of gay businesses, especially saunas and massage centers, while neighbouring Singapore has learned to tolerate them.

In the latest incident, a sauna and massage center were raided by cops. In one case, the business owners had installed secure entry systems that required a customer to enter a password. Undercover cops nabbed a customer about to enter, and held him until h revealed the password, and then broke in, arresting many of the staff and customers.

As usual, Malaysian newspapers revelled in the scandal, reporting that “many of those inside were found with their pants down” and other similar stupid comments, including one deriding a 65 year old man.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim goes on trial for the second time on charges, widely believed to be trumped up, of sodomy. The last trial failed to destroy Anwar’s popularity, which the government sees as a threat.