• last week
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a unified global effort to uphold the values of compassion, justice, and humanity to counter the growing challenges of intolerance, racism, and Islamophobia.

Speaking at the Meeting of the Strategic Vision Group: Russia-Islamic World on Wednesday (Dec 11), Anwar highlighted the importance of platforms like the Russia-Islamic World Meeting in promoting these values to the international community, stressing their relevance not only to the Muslim world but also to the global community at large.

The Prime Minister highlighted that while Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the religion of the Federation, it stands as a model of tolerance and inclusivity.

Read more at https://tinyurl.com/murzyu29

WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news
SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar
LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline
Transcript
00:00We thought that with development, with progress,
00:04with knowledge, we'll have more wisdom.
00:08We have more tolerance between,
00:11of course in the Muslim world, between religious leaders
00:18of various denominations.
00:22And we believe this can happen.
00:24But this is not the case.
00:26This is a period of great tragedies befalling humanity
00:30at large and in Muslims in particular.
00:34From Gaza, from parts of Europe, the growing,
00:37the rise of fascism and racism, the intolerance,
00:41the dehumanizing actions, atrocities perpetrated
00:46of people, not only in Palestine and Gaza in particular,
00:49but also in many parts of the world.
00:52Our duty is of course to promote this sort
00:54of new understanding of tolerance, of tassamu,
00:57of rahmah and ihsan and humanity,
01:00because that's what Islam stands for.
01:02And it's important that we use these sort of conferences
01:07to reflect that sort of message.
01:12The challenges are there and real.
01:15Islamophobia remains a persistent and pernicious issue
01:20manifesting across continents and cultures.
01:25In Europe, for example, despite its progressive ideals
01:29of liberty, fraternity, egality,
01:36shogun during the French Revolution,
01:39but in recent years have witnessed a troubling rise
01:42in targeted acts against Muslim communities.
01:47Mosques have been discredited.
01:49Here in Malaysia we have a case, a small case,
01:53an attempt by some Muslim fanatics
01:56to desecrate a church.
02:01We were swift, the ulama, the political leaders are swift
02:07in condemning this, taking action against the perpetrators,
02:12because that is our Islamic belief and national ideology.
02:16Islamic belief and national ideology.
02:20More than two decades ago, we found
02:25a Hindu temple being desecrated.
02:29The moment we took over as a government
02:32in that particular state, we resolve to rebuild the temple
02:41out of our recognition that every single citizen
02:46has a right to practice their faith.
02:51What we are calling for is a consistent, coherent message
02:55by other countries.
02:57We want to have a showcase that we are tolerant.
03:00This is a Muslim majority country.
03:02Islam is the religion of the Federation.
03:05We take all measures possible to make sure
03:07that Muslims adhere to their faith.
03:10Istajibu lillah wa lirrasul idha da'akum lima yuhyikum.
03:15But at the same time, we show extreme tolerance
03:20and patience and respect for the dignity
03:23of men and women of all faith.
03:27This is a message I think it is relevant and pertinent,
03:32not only for the Muslim world,
03:34but for the international community.
03:37In North America, the shadow of global conflicts
03:41has intensified suspicion and mistrust towards Muslims.
03:46Hate crimes have surged in countries
03:50where there is so much sophistication,
03:53so much access to knowledge,
03:56but troubling link between international events
04:00and local prejudices.
04:03Social media, while a powerful connector,
04:08has often amplified Islamophobic sentiment.
04:13They have enabled the spread of false narratives
04:17at the speed of light.
04:21So we have to deal with the issue of Islamophobia,
04:24including this conference,
04:29towards inclusivity and understanding.
04:33Governments must introduce and enforce
04:37anti-discrimination laws.
04:40And civil society, religious leaders, media platforms
04:43have a role in challenging stereotypes
04:46and fostering dialogue.

Recommended