KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim praised the recent resolution by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) following the Quran-burning incident at a mosque in Stockholm during the Aidiladha celebration.
The UNHRC adopted the resolution on countering religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility, or violence on July 12. Out of the 47 council members, 28 voted in favor, including Malaysia. Twelve were against, while seven abstained.
However, Anwar expressed disappointment that every effort to combat Islamophobia triggers a backlash of hatred disguised as freedom of speech and expression, as seen from the dissenting member states.
“While the UNHRC bravely stands against this hate, I hope the dissenters reflect on their choice and prevent their actions and words from undermining the noble body they serve and the human rights they defend,” Anwar stated in a recent release.
He criticized the abuse of free speech to justify hate and cruelty, emphasizing that an extreme notion of freedom can be just as harmful as totalitarianism, potentially leading to violations of others’ rights to life and safety.
Meanwhile, Anwar commended the Swedish government for their strong stance against Islamophobia and hoped that the Swedish police would follow suit in their investigation.
“The harm caused by a few can only be counterbalanced through unity, mutual respect, care, compassion, and a genuine quest for understanding,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister stressed that Islamophobia is a menace not only to Muslims but also to Western nations themselves, contradicting the principles of a shared human society.
“We cannot resolve these issues by burning and defiling each other’s books but by engaging in dialogue and understanding,” Anwar concluded. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
