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National broadcaster RTM has suspended a cartoon series after netizens criticised it for featuring a same-sex couple
In a statement yesterday, 17 November, the broadcaster acknowledged public complaints following the airing of the 22nd episode of the animated series Santiago of the Seas on TV2 on Sunday, 16 November.
"Based on the content assessment and review report that has been carried out, there is no action or affection depicted that portrays a same-sex relationship, nor any element that leads to it.
"However, to ensure that there are no elements that may cause doubt or public sensitivity, RTM has decided to stop the broadcast of the animation concerned to conduct further research on the entire content of the series," the statement read.
RTM added that it remains committed to ensuring that all content broadcast complies with broadcasting ethics and does not cause discomfort to any party.
The statement was issued after a Threads post called out the national broadcaster for airing the cartoon series with LGBT elements
The netizen mentioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and their party PKR, accusing them of promoting an LGBT agenda.
The post, which has 3,200 likes, included a photo of a couple embracing and one kissing the other on the cheek, alongside a TV2 screenshot of the same couple, with one man holding the other's arm.
So, what is Santiago of the Seas about?
The US animated series follows Santiago, an 8-year-old pirate, and his crew as they embark on rescues, uncover hidden treasures, and keep the Caribbean high seas safe.
The show incorporates Spanish language and Latino-Caribbean culture into its curriculum.
According to Fandom, the characters in question are the married couple Río and Martín.
Río is a mermaid and an adoptive father to two children who often goes on long trips to look for treasures and explore.
Meanwhile, Martín, also a mermaid, runs a paleta shop.
It is understood that the couple was first featured in an episode in July 2023.
News of the suspension has drawn international attention, with coverage from SCMP and LGBTQ+ media outlet Pink News.
Both news platforms highlighted Malaysia's strict censorship laws, including the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which ban depictions of LGBTQ relationships in film, television, and print.
SCMP reported that previous Disney movies, such as Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder, were also banned for LGBTQ elements.
