PKR politician Saifuddin Abdullah condemned the heinous act on Twitter, while renowned activist Marina Mahathir retweeted quotes in support of the victims.

Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh took to Facebook, to express her condolences.
“Heartbreaking. Condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives,” she wrote.

However, there were netizens who leapt to the shooter’s defence.

One Junaida Nasrin said she was not sad after viewing a video of the tragedy on Siakap Keli’s Facebook page.

“Many of our innocent Muslim brothers are being killed by US allies, yet no one fights for them. Why should sympathise these sinners?”.

Another of Siakap Keli’s followers prayed that the other 53 injured in the shooting would not make it.

“And whoever disagrees with this statement, you too should also be condemned.”

Some netizens, however, took to task those who posted insensitive comments.

Facebook user Amirul Hazwan said “a soul is a soul”, irrespective of the individual being a non-Muslim or gay.

“If we are not saddened by their death, there is no difference between you and the Zionist that you condemn. Typical lowlife mindset.”

A Twitter user, identified as @bumilangit condemned the act, arguing that regardless of the victims being from the LGBT community, no one has the right to take the life of another.

“Islam has a high regard for the rule of law. This is a case of an unstable man who went on rampage.”

Shariah lawyer Nizam Bashir meanwhile, lamented: “As world grieves over Orlando shooting, some Malaysians welcome killings .Crass headline/piece for such a tragedy.”

On Sunday, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, an American of Afghan descent attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida where he killed 50 and injured scores more.

According to reports, Omar who was also killed by police after holding some patrons of the nightclub hostage, was said to be “homophobic”.