An LGBTIQA rights group has condemned Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz for publicly using a homophobic slur - "pondan" (effeminate) - as an insult.

In a statement today, Pelangi Campaign said Nazri's use of "unpleasant language" could contribute to the rise of hate crimes due to gender expressions and perceived sexual orientations.

"We witness the chilling effect of bullies using such slurs in our society. Teenager T Nhaveen - who tragically passed away last year after being brutally mutilated and sexually assaulted.