No hugging on TV says Malaysian leader

Malaysia's deputy leader has hit out at hugging scenes on local TV reality shows, saying such public displays of affection are un-Islamic.

"It is forbidden in the religion," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a speech to a youth council.

Malaysian television stations generally edit out kissing and hugging scenes in their programmes but there have recently been displays of hugging in some reality shows.

"Hugging scenes are not suitable," Najib said. "They must sing decent songs, and must act decently."

The minister didn't single out a particular TV show as being morally reprehensible.