"STOP censoring the words that describe who I am" was the Time online quote of the day on 25 Feb 2009. The quote was by Pang Khee Teik who was described as a Malaysian arts commentator.

But Pang, who as the arts programme director at the Annexe Gallery at Central Market has revitalised cultural events and activities in Central Market, is more than that. He is also an outspoken gay rights advocate. Which was how his quote was picked up by Time in February this year.



Pang was angered that Astro censored the words "gay" and "lesbian" from two Oscar acceptance speeches that it broadcast on 23 February for the movie Milk. The movie, starring Sean Penn, is about American gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

Instead of just letting Astro get away with the censorship, Pang, who is himself gay, wrote a lengthy protest letter to the media in which he questioned the prejudices against homosexuals.



"As a gay man, I am truly offended.... What is Astro trying to achieve with the censoring of the words 'gay' and 'lesbian'?" he demanded. Pang argued that if Astro was afraid that the words would promote homosexuality, how come it wasn't afraid that the uncensored words "terrorist", "rapist" and "murderer" would promote terrorism, rape and murder.