KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today applauded the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution condemning recent incidents in which the Quran was burned outside of Stockholm’s central mosque during last month’s Aidiladha celebration.
“Unfortunately, for every progressive step taken against Islamophobia, a fire of hatred ignites among those who hide their heinous acts behind the masks of free speech and expression, as demonstrated by the dissenting member states,” the prime minister said in a statement.
“The disgraceful use of free speech as a shield leaves it vulnerable to abuse in order to justify hate and cruelty rather than opposing tyranny.
“In as much as we reject the extremes of totalitarianism, an extremist notion of freedom is equally detrimental to society.”
This, said Anwar, could lead to further infringements upon other’s rights to life and safety.
He said Islamophobia is a poison that threatens Western nations as much as it threatens Muslims in whatever country they reside.
“It is a contradiction, alongside all illogical hatreds and xenophobia, to the very aims of our shared human society.
“We cannot resolve these issues by burning and desecrating each other’s books, but by reading them and engaging in dialogue.”
While the UN rights coucil has valiantly stood against this hate, he said he hoped the dissenters reflect on their choice, doing all in their power to ensure their actions and words do not commit a disservice, an injustice, against the noble body they serve or the human rights they defend.
“I also congratulate the Swedish government for taking a firm stand against Islamophobia and look forward to seeing the Swedish police echo this stance as they carry out their investigation.
“The harm and pain caused by the acts of a few can only be balanced by the rest of us, standing together, and choosing to respect one another, to care and show compassion, and to seek out understanding,” he added. – The Vibes, July 21, 2023
