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Article published In: Journal of Asian Pacific Communication
Vol. 36:1 (2026) ► pp.53–83

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Language choice and ideology

Representations of the LGBT community in Malaysia’s multilingual newspapers

 | Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Sarawak
 | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
 | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Published online: 15 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.25056.yeo
Abstract
This study examines how English-, Malay-, and Chinese-language newspapers in Malaysia represent the local LGBT community. Drawing on the Discourse-Historical Approach, 167 online news articles published in 2023 by The Star Online (English), Harian Metro (Malay), and China Press (Chinese) were analysed. The Star Online appears to take a relatively inclusive stance, incorporating diverse terms and occasionally quoting LGBT individuals while balancing progressive narratives with sociopolitical sensitivities. In contrast, Harian Metro tends to frame LGBT issues through moral and religious lenses, often portraying those who renounce their identities as examples of repentance. China Press presents a broader range of perspectives, offering both supportive and critical views without anchoring itself to a fixed ideological stance. Compared to Harian Metro, both The Star Online and China Press appear to provide more space for civil society and international voices. These distinct patterns highlight how language in news reporting operates not merely as a tool for communication but as a mechanism for negotiating ideological boundaries. Collectively, these findings shed light on how multilingual news reporting reflects differing ideological positions shaped by Malaysia’s complex sociocultural and political contexts.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Contextual background of Malaysia
  • 2.Theoretical framework
  • 3.Method
  • 4.Results
    • 4.1Harian Metro
    • 4.2China Press
    • 4.3The Star Online
  • 5.Discussion and conclusion
  • References
References (61)
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