KUALA LUMPUR JAN.23: Malaysia condemns in the strongest terms the Islamophobic act by an extremist Swedish Danish far-right politician, Rasmus Paludan in burning a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm, Sweden on 21 January 2023.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir said the Swedish government’s ignorance to stop this dreadful and wicked act despite several protests from various parties is utterly unacceptable and could have serious repercussions on relations between Sweden and Muslims around the world.
“We urge the Swedish government to take immediate action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime and to undertake serious measures to combat the worrisome rise of Islamophobia in Sweden.
“This vile act is clearly an outright attack against Islam and Muslims worldwide, which has gone beyond moral limits and norms of the right to freedom of speech and expression,” he said in a statement today.
The Minister added bigotry, racism and vile desecration of such Holy Scripture regardless of religion, is unacceptable and should be condemned. Malaysia reiterates that freedom of expression cannot be equated with freedom to insult.
It goes against the universal principle of respect for religions.
“Malaysia urges the international community to work together to combat Islamophobia and promote harmonious relations and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths in a diverse global community.
“Malaysia will continue to work closely with fellow members of the international community to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence and hatred against Islam, including Islamophobic sentiments and extremism,” the minister said. –Malaysia World News
